Abstract Title:

Pycnogenol improves left ventricular function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats.

Abstract Source:

Phytother Res. 2010 Jul ;24(7):969-74. PMID: 19957251

Abstract Author(s):

Jan Klimas, Jana Kmecova, Stanislava Jankyova, Diana Yaghi, Elena Priesolova, Zuzana Kyselova, Peter Musil, Peter Ochodnicky, Peter Krenek, Jan Kyselovic, Stefan Matyas

Article Affiliation:

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. [email protected]

Abstract:

We studied whether Pycnogenol (PYC) may attenuate the development of experimental streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy in rat. In addition, we aimed to study whether PYC affects cardiac oxidative stress and the protein expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing molecules (gp91(phox)-containing NADPH oxidase and NO-signalling proteins). Experimental diabetes mellitus was manifested by hyperglycaemia and impaired cardiac function estimated using left ventricular catheterisation in vivo. PYC lowered fasting plasma glucose and normalized basal cardiac function. Excessive oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ) hearts, evidenced by 40% increase (P<0.05) of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration, was associated with increased expression of gp91(phox) (by 75%, P<0.05), iNOS (by 40%, P<0.05) and alpha-tubulin (by 49%, P<0.05), but unchanged expression of eNOS and its alosteric regulators, as compared to CON. PYC failed to affect these expression abnormalities. Our study shows that PYC corrects diabetic cardiac dysfunction, probably by its metabolic and direct radical scavenging activity without affecting the molecular maladaptations of ROS-producing enzymes and cytoskeletal components.

Study Type : Animal Study

Print Options


Key Research Topics

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.