Abstract:The protective effects of protocatechualdehyde (PCA) on hearts of mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) and its possible molecular mechanism were investigated. After the successful construction of DCM mouse models, PCA intervention was made. The heart-to-body mass ratio of mice and the cardiac function were determined. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors, troponin I, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) in the myocardial tissues were also determined. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining methods were used to observe the morphological changes of the myocardial tissues. The expressions of nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the myocardial tissue and myocardial cells were detected, and the effects of PCA on the survival rate of myocardial cells were evaluated. The results showed that the heart-to-body mass ratio, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening increase by 5.42 mg/g, 54.91%, and 28.07%, respectively, after PCA intervention. At the same time, serum LDH, CK, and troponin I concentrations decrease to 538.51 U/L, 885.93 U/L, and 221.87 pg/mL, respectively. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin1β, and interleukin-6 also decreased (P<0.05). PCA also inhibited myocardial cytotoxicity and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome induced by high glucose concentrations. PCA can protect the myocardium of DCM mice. Inhibition of the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome may be the way to cardiac improvement.
