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Ferulic Acid Suppresses Diabetes-Induced Atherosclerosis by Targeting Oxidative Stress, NF-κB p65/iNOS, and miRNAs

Taqwa A Abdelhamed1, Ahmed A G El-Shahawy2, Fatma I Abo El-Ela3

  • 1Technology of Medical Laboratories Department, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Technology, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt.

Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology
|June 2, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Ferulic acid (FA) shows promise in combating diabetic atherosclerosis by improving metabolic health, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This plant-derived compound offers multi-targeted protection against vascular complications in diabetes.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Research

Background:

  • Diabetic atherosclerosis involves complex metabolic and inflammatory issues.
  • Current therapies for diabetic atherosclerosis are insufficient.
  • Ferulic acid (FA), a polyphenol, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but its role in diabetic atherosclerosis is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anti-atherosclerosis effects of Ferulic acid (FA) in a rat model of diabetes-induced atherosclerosis.
  • To explore the protective mechanisms of FA against vascular damage in diabetic conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Atherosclerosis was induced in Wistar rats using a high-fat diet, streptozotocin, and vitamin D3.
  • Rats were treated with FA (preventive and therapeutic) or rosuvastatin.
  • Analyses included body weight, biochemical markers, molecular signaling, and histopathology.

Main Results:

  • FA improved body weight, glucose levels, lipid profiles, and cardiovascular indices in atherosclerotic rats.
  • FA reduced oxidative stress markers (oxLDL, MDA, NO) and increased antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX, GSH).
  • FA downregulated inflammatory markers (NF-κB, iNOS, MMP-9, TNF-α, MCP-1) and modulated microRNAs (miR-27, miR-29).

Conclusions:

  • Ferulic acid provides multi-targeted protection against diabetic atherosclerosis.
  • FA acts through metabolic, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and epigenetic pathways.
  • FA shows potential as a complementary or preventative treatment for vascular diseases in diabetes.
Keywords:
diabetic atherosclerosisferulic acidinflammationmicroRNAsoxidative stress

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