Abstract
Introduction. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other cardiovascular complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and thrombotic events. Quercetin (Q) possesses a wide range of multiple activities: anti-diabetic, anti-proliferative, anti-atherosclerotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-apoptotic effects and is regarded as a candidate for the role of cardiovascular complications protecting agent.
 The aim of this study was to assess the effects of Q on the functional state of cardiovascular system and haemostasis in diabetic rats.
 Materials and Methods. T2DM was induced in Wistar rats by a high-caloric diet during 14 weeks combined with intraperitoneal injections of 25 mg/kg streptozotocin twice per week. All diabetic animals were divided into three groups: treated with solvent and with Q (in dose 10 and 50 mg/kg/day per os) for 8 weeks after diabetes induction. Fibrinogen concentration and induced euglobulin fibrinolysis time were measured in plasma using reagent kits. Electrocardiograms were recorded in leads II.
 Results. It was established that Q in dose 50 mg/kg b.w. prevents in the formation of sinus tachycardia in experimental animals. In addition, Q in both doses inhibits the development of myocardial diastolic dysfunction, which was confirmed by prolongation of T-P interval and a decrease of duration of the T wave in comparison with diabetic rats. Q in both doses restorated the processes of coagulations and fibrinolysis, as indicated by a decrease of fibrinogen levels and the time of thrombolysis compared to diabetic rats.
 Conclusions. Q, independently of dose, inhibits the development of myocardial diastolic dysfunction and reduces prothrombotic potential in rats with type 2 diabetes, which may ameliorate diabetic cardiovascular risk. This data justify the perspective of Q for the prevention and management of cardiovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Highlights
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM)
DCM is characterized by lipid accumulation in cardiomyocytes, fibrosis and left ventricular hypertrophy, which together result in contractile dysfunction
There was no significant difference in the basal hyperglycemia between diabetic rats and those treated with Q (Table 1)
Summary
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). The development DCM is likely to be multifactorial and several pathways have been known, including vascular endothelial dysfunction, glucose toxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction and lipotoxicity [2]. It is known that oxidative stress induces endothelial dysfunction that plays a central role in the pathogenesis of micro- and macrovascular diseases, including DCM. It may increase pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulant factors expression and induce apoptosis [5]. The attention has focused on the researches of bioactive molecules contained in foods, which are characterized by fewer side effects in comparison with pharmacological therapies and can be useful in the treatment of T2DM. Dietary flavonoids have shown potential in the reduction of oxidative stress-induced tissue damage through their modulatory effects of intracellular signaling pathways [7]
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