Attenuation of STZ-Induced Damage in Rats via Immune Response and TGF-β/VEGF Pathway Modulation by Quercetin

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21321, Egypt

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, can lead to severe complications affecting multiple organs, including the heart and liver. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired insulin signaling contribute to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy and hepatopathy. This study investigated the protective effects of quercetin (Quer) on diabetes-induced cardiac and hepatic dysfunction in rats. Diabetic rats exhibited significant increases in blood glucose levels, impaired insulin sensitivity, and elevated levels of cardiac and hepatic biomarkers, indicating myocardial and hepatic damage. Moreover, diabetic rats showed increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in the heart and liver. Treatment with Quer significantly ameliorated these adverse effects. Quer reduced blood glucose levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and attenuated cardiac and hepatic damage. Quer exerted its protective effects by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, as evidenced by decreased levels of oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and fibrosis markers. Additionally, Quer upregulated the expression of antioxidant enzymes and activated the Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in insulin signaling and cell survival.
These findings suggest that Quer has potential therapeutic benefits in managing diabetes-induced cardio-hepatic complications. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize their clinical application.

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