Abrogation of cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats by escin – possible role of NF-κβ and MCP-1.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes. Escin may significantly inhibit myocardial damage through its NF-κβ inhibitory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and potent anti-inflammatory activity. Hence, the study was carried out to evaluate the effect of escin in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Diabetes induction was done in rats with streptozotocin. After six weeks of induction, diabetic animals were administered with escin (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) for the next four weeks. Escin prevented the progression of abnormalities in the biochemical, hemodynamic parameters and electrocardiogram. Escin also prevented the progression of abnormality in the oxidative stress parameters. The expression of NF-κβ and MCP-1 was significantly reduced with escin treatment. Furthermore, escin also prevented damage to myocardial cells and reduced collagen deposition in the cardiomyocytes. Escin prevented the progression of cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats. Hence escin can be an alternative option for the management of diabetic cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]