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Cola nitida infusion modulates cardiometabolic activities linked to cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats
Ochuko L Erukainure1, Nontokozo Z Msomi2, Brian K Beseni2
1Department of Biochemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Department of Pharmacology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa.
Abstract:
This study investigated the therapeutic mechanism of Cola nitida seeds on diabetic cardiomyopathy in hearts of diabetic rats. Type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats were treated with C. nitida infusion at 150 or 300 mg/kg body weight (bw). The rats were sacrificed after 6 weeks of treatment, and their hearts harvested. There was an upsurge in oxidative stress on induction of T2D as depicted by the depleted levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and elevated malondialdehyde level. The activities of acetylcholinesterase, and ATPase were significantly elevated, with suppressed ENTPDase and 5'nucleotodase activities in hearts of T2D rats depicting cholinergic and purinergic dysfunctions. Induction of T2D further led to elevated activity of ACE and altered myocardial morphology. Treatment with C. nitida infusion led to reversal of these biomarkers' activities and levels, while maintaining an intact morphology. The infusion caused decreased lipase activity and depletion of diabetes-generated cardiac lipid metabolites, while concomitantly generating saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, fatty esters and alcohols. There was also an inactivation of plasmalogen synthesis and mitochondrial beta-oxidation of long chain saturated fatty acids pathways in T2D rats treated with C. nitida infusion. These results indicate the therapeutic effect of C. nitida infusion against diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Insights
Cola nitida seeds show therapeutic potential for diabetic cardiomyopathy. This study found that C. nitida infusion reversed oxidative stress and restored normal heart function in diabetic rats.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Metabolic Disease Research
- Natural Product Therapeutics
Background:
- Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Oxidative stress, neurotransmitter system dysfunctions, and altered lipid metabolism contribute to DCM.
- Identifying natural compounds with cardioprotective effects is crucial for managing DCM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of Cola nitida seed infusion in a rat model of type 2 diabetes.
- To evaluate the impact of C. nitida on oxidative stress, cholinergic and purinergic systems, and lipid metabolism in diabetic hearts.
Main Methods:
- Type 2 diabetic rats were treated with Cola nitida infusion (150 or 300 mg/kg body weight) for 6 weeks.
- Cardiac biomarkers including oxidative stress markers (glutathione, SOD, catalase, MDA), neurotransmitter enzyme activities (AChE, ATPase, ENTPDase, 5'NT), ACE activity, and lipid metabolites were analyzed.
- Myocardial morphology was assessed histologically.
Main Results:
- Cola nitida treatment reversed diabetes-induced oxidative stress, normalizing glutathione, SOD, catalase, and MDA levels.
- The infusion restored normal activities of acetylcholinesterase, ATPase, ENTPDase, and 5'nucleotidase, correcting cholinergic and purinergic dysfunctions.
- C. nitida treatment normalized ACE activity, improved myocardial morphology, modulated cardiac lipid metabolism, and affected specific fatty acid synthesis and oxidation pathways.
Conclusions:
- Cola nitida seed infusion demonstrates significant therapeutic effects against diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats.
- The cardioprotective mechanisms involve mitigating oxidative stress, restoring neurotransmitter system balance, and modulating cardiac lipid metabolism.
- C. nitida represents a potential natural therapeutic agent for managing diabetic cardiomyopathy.
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