Effect of silymarin on the parameters of oxidative stress in hearts in the course of diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats

Chronic hyperglycemia is one of the most important causes of the formation of oxygen free radicals in diabetes, which damage various organs. Damage to proteins and lipids in the heart can lead to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy, which in turn may cause cardiovascular failure. In order to counteract oxidative stress, the innate antioxidant mechanisms of the system should be supported by supplementation with exogenous antioxidants, for instance of plant origin. In this experiment, the role of silymarin, a plant-derived flavonolignan on the oxidative stress parameters and oxidative damage markers in the hearts was determined in an experimental model of diabetes. Male Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin at a dose of 60 mg/kg (ip). Then, silymarin was administered at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg for four weeks via a gastric tube. In diabetic animals an increase in malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, as well as increased activity of antioxidant enzymes in heart tissues was noted. Administration of silymarin inhibited oxidative stress by increasing the total antioxidant response, decreasing the concentration of malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products and a slight increase in the level of glutathione. It can be concluded that the redox state in the examined tissue improved. Based on the results in can be concluded that silymarin demonstrates a potential in preventing the development of oxidative damage in the heart tissue in the course of experimental diabetes.