Cardioprotective effects of naringin in a type 2 diabetes rodent model by reducing calcium overload and oxidative stress
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Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Preparation of Naringenin Solution for In Vivo Application
Published on: August 10, 2021
Arkady Uryash1, Alfredo Mijares2, Jose Miguel Eltit3
1Division of Neonatology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami, FL, United States.
Introduction:
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by structural and functional alterations in the heart muscle, occurring independently of other cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, or coronary artery disease. Despite efforts to manage type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its complications, DCM remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. The pathogenesis of DCM is multifactorial, involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and intracellular Ca2+ dyshomeostasis. Currently, there is no specific or effective treatment for DCM. Naringin (NRG), a flavonoid abundant in citrus fruits, has demonstrated promising cardioprotective properties.
Methods:
Cardiomyocytes were isolated from a 12-month-old murine T2D model (db/db mice) and corresponding age-matched control subjects. Naringin was administered via intraperitoneal injection at a dosage of 60 mg/kg for 4 weeks to evaluate its cardioprotective efficacy in DCM.
Results:
Quiescent cardiomyocytes from db/db mice showed significantly increased diastolic Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]d), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels, along with reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and adiponectin (APN) levels. Plasma markers of cardiac injury were also elevated compared to those in the control group. NRG treatment significantly reduced [Ca2+]d, ROS, lipid peroxidation, AOPP, and NADPH levels while enhancing SOD activity and APN levels. Furthermore, NRG attenuated plasma cardiac injury markers in db/db mice.
Conclusion:
The results of this study illustrate the cardioprotective potential of NRG in diabetic cardiomyopathy by mitigating intracellular calcium overload and oxidative stress, augmenting antioxidant defenses, and reducing cardiac injury. NRG could serve as a promising adjunctive therapeutic approach to enhance cardiac function in diabetic patients.
Insights
Naringin (NRG) shows promise in treating diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) by reducing heart cell damage and improving antioxidant defenses in a mouse model. This natural compound may offer a new therapeutic option for diabetic patients with heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart condition in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, characterized by structural and functional heart muscle changes.
- DCM pathogenesis involves oxidative stress, inflammation, and calcium imbalance, with no current specific treatments.
- Naringin (NRG), a citrus flavonoid, exhibits potential cardioprotective effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cardioprotective efficacy of Naringin (NRG) in a murine model of type 2 diabetes (T2D)-induced cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Main Methods:
- Cardiomyocytes were isolated from 12-month-old db/db mice (T2D model) and age-matched controls.
- Naringin (NRG) was administered intraperitoneally at 60 mg/kg for 4 weeks to evaluate its effects on DCM.
Main Results:
- Db/db mice exhibited elevated diastolic calcium ([Ca2+]d), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and NADPH, with reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and adiponectin (APN).
- NRG treatment significantly decreased [Ca2+]d, ROS, lipid peroxidation, AOPP, and NADPH, while increasing SOD activity and APN levels.
- NRG also attenuated elevated plasma cardiac injury markers in db/db mice.
Conclusions:
- Naringin (NRG) demonstrates cardioprotective potential in diabetic cardiomyopathy by mitigating calcium overload and oxidative stress.
- NRG enhances antioxidant defenses and reduces cardiac injury, suggesting it as a promising adjunctive therapy for diabetic heart conditions.
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