THE IMPACT OF QUERCETIN ON THE FUNCTIONAL STATE OF CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM AND HEMOSTASE IN RATS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

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.