Effects of Resveratrol on the Level of Urotensin II and its Receptors in the Homogenized Tissue of Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Background: Individuals with diabetes mellitus are at serious risk of a wide range of cardiovascular complications. Urotensin 2 and its receptors play an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseeases through production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Resveratrol is a polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of resveratrol on urotensin 2 and its receptors in the heart tissues of diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (N= 8 in each group). Resveratrol was prepared in 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose and given to the rats through oral gavage. At the end of the 60 days of treatment with resveratrol, rats’ heart tissue was collected. Results: The weight of diabetic rats treated with 10 and 90 mg/kg bw of resveratrol significantly increased compared with the diabetic group. Furthermore, the serum levels of FBS, lipids, MDA, CK-MB and LDH decreased in the treated diabetic rats compared with the control group. Moreover, concentration of urotensin 2 and its receptors significantly decreased in the heart tissues of the diabetic rats treated with resveratrol at the dose of 10 mg/kg bw compared with the control group. Conclusion: The current study indicated that resveratrol decreased FBS, lipids, weight, MDA and cardiac enzymes. Furthermore, resveratrol significantly reduced urotensin 2 and its receptors, which indicates its moderating effect on diabetes complications.

Keywords

• type 2 diabetes
• heart disease
• resveratrol
• urotensin 2
• urotensin 2 receptor