Upregulation of PCSK9, rho kinase and cardiac troponin by Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract improves fructose-streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiac dysfunction in rats.

CONTEXT The effect of Eucalyptus globulus in diabetic cardiac dysfunction and the possible mechanisms involved have not been explored. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of ethanol leaf extract of E. globulus (NEE) on the cardiac function of fructose/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Type-2 diabetes was induced in rats with 10% fructose feeding for 14 days and an intraperitoneal administration of 40 mg/kg streptozotocin. Diabetic animals were treated with NEE (100-400 mg/kg) or 5 mg/kg glibenclamide orally for 21 days. Biochemical assays, histopathological examination and analyses of PCSK9, Rho kinase and Cardiac troponin expression were performed. RESULTS The untreated diabetic group showed decreased expression of the genes, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, increased activities of creatine kinase MB and lactate dehydrogenase, reduced nitric oxide level, and depletion of cardiomyocytes, which were reversed in NEE treated groups. CONCLUSIONS Eucalyptus globulus ameliorated diabetic cardiac dysfunction through increased PCSK9, Rho kinase and Cardiac troponin expression.