Ac-SDKP (N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline) is a physiological tetrapeptide hydrolysed by ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme). In experimental models of hypertension, Ac-SDKP has antifibrotic effects in the heart; however, the role of Ac-SDKP in diabetic cardiomyopathy is currently unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Ac-SDKP on cardiac systolic and diastolic function, and interstitial and perivascular fibrosis in the heart of diabetic rats.Diabetes was induced in 55 Sprague-Dawley rats by streptozotocin injection. Control rats (n=18)underwent only buffer injection.Out of the 55 diabetic rats, 19 were chronically treated with insulin and 13 with the ACEI (ACE inhibitor) ramipril (3 mg x kg(-1 )of body weight x day(-1)). At 2 months after the onset of diabetes, Ac-SDKP (1 mg x kg(-1) of body weight x day(-1)) was administered by osmotic minipumps for 8 weeks to eight control rats, 13 diabetic rats, seven diabetic rats treated with ramipril and nine insulin-treated diabetic rats. Diabetic rats had a significant increase in blood glucose levels. Left ventricular interstitial and perivascular fibrosis, and TGF-beta1 (transforming growth factor-beta1) protein levels were increased in diabetic rats, but not in insulin-treated diabetic rats and ramipril-treated diabetic rats, compared with control rats. Ac-SDKP administration significantly reduced left ventricular interstitial and perivascular fibrosis in diabetic rats and in diabetic rats treated with ramipril. This was accompanied by a significant reduction in active TGF-beta1 and phospho-Smad2/3 protein levels in myocardial tissue of diabetic rats. Echocardiography showed that diabetes was associated with increased end-systolic diameters, and depressed global systolic function and diastolic dysfunction, as assessed by transmitral Doppler velocity profile. These changes were completely reversed by insulin or ramipril treatment. Ac-SDKP treatment partially restored diastolic function in diabetic rats. In conclusion, Ac-SDKP administration in diabetic rats reduces left ventricular interstitial and perivascular fibrosis, active TGF-beta1 and phospho-Smad2/3levels, and improves diastolic function. Taken together, these findings suggest that, by inhibiting theTGF-beta/Smad pathway, Ac-SDKP protects against the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy
Castoldi, G., Di Gioia, C., Bombardi, C., Perego, C., Perego, L., Mancini, M., et al. (2010). Prevention of myocardial fibrosis by N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline in diabetic rats. CLINICAL SCIENCE, 118(3), 211-220.
Citazione: | Castoldi, G., Di Gioia, C., Bombardi, C., Perego, C., Perego, L., Mancini, M., et al. (2010). Prevention of myocardial fibrosis by N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline in diabetic rats. CLINICAL SCIENCE, 118(3), 211-220. |
Tipo: | Articolo in rivista - Articolo scientifico |
Carattere della pubblicazione: | Scientifica |
Titolo: | Prevention of myocardial fibrosis by N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline in diabetic rats |
Autori: | Castoldi, G; Di Gioia, CRT; Bombardi, C; Perego, C; Perego, L; Mancini, M; Leopizzi, M; Corradi, B; Perlini, S; Zerbini, G; Stella, A |
Autori: | |
Data di pubblicazione: | feb-2010 |
Lingua: | English |
Rivista: | CLINICAL SCIENCE |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1042/CS20090234 |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 01 - Articolo su rivista |