Targeting TGF-β1/SMAD pathway and MMP-9 activity: the protective role of Vitamin D and Catechin in diabetic cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of Vitamin D (Vit D) and Catechin (Cat) against diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) in a rat model, specifically focusing on their ability to attenuate cardiac fibrosis. METHODS: Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: control, DCM, Vit D-treated DCM, Cat-treated DCM, and combination-treated DCM. Type 2 diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. The diabetic rats were then treated with Vit D (500 IU/kg) and Cat (400 mg/kg) orally until the end of the study. Various parameters, including heart function, glucose levels, cardiac injury biomarkers, and oxidative stress markers, were measured. The expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 and SMAD2/3/4 mRNA in rat myocardial tissues was determined using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Histological analyses were performed to assess heart tissue damage and matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity. KEY FINDINGS: Results showed that DCM caused significant disturbances in all parameters studied, but treatment improved these conditions. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that Vit D and Cat could prevent DCM progression by lowering blood sugar and lipids, reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting fibrosis, and suppressing transforming growth factor-β1, SMAD2/3/4 expression, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in cardiac tissue.