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Document Details : Title: Effects of benazepril on cardiac fibrosis in STZ-induced diabetic rats Author(s): Q. Li , Y. Wang , S. Sun , Y. Tian , M. Liu Journal: Acta Cardiologica Volume: 65 Issue: 4 Date: 2010 Pages: 431-439 DOI: 10.2143/AC.65.4.2053902 Abstract : Objective — The present study was designed to explore the roles of MMP-2/TIMP-2 in cardiac fibrosis and to study the effects of benazepril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) on cardiac remodelling in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods and results — Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: a normal control group (NC), a diabetes mellitus-untreated group (DM) and a diabetes mellitus benazepril-treated group (DB). Diabetes mellitus was induced in the DM and DB groups by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). DB rats were treated with benazepril 10 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks by remedial perfusing of the stomach. In the DM group, compared with the NC group, the gene and protein expression of MMP-2 decreased while the TIMP-2 gene and protein expression increased in heart tissues, along with a markedly cardiac collagen deposition. All the above changes were attenuated by benazepril treatment in the DB group. Conclusions — The imbalance of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expressions in heart tissues might participate in interstitial fibrosis in diabetic myocardiopathy. Benazepril may ameliorate cardiac fibrosis partly by regulating the MMP-2/TIMP-2 system. |
