Eplerenone alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy by modulating ER stress, oxidative stress, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation

ObjectivesDiabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious diabetes complication of the heart characterized by changes in the structure and function of the organ. It involves oxidative stress, inflammation, and Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress in its pathogenesis. This study investigates how Eplerenone (EPL), a selective mineralocorticoid receptor blocker, can treat these complications in diabetic rats.MethodsA total of 32 male Wistar rats were divided into diabetic and control groups after induction of diabetes using Nicotinamide and Streptozotocin. Eplerenone was given at 100 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. Blood glucose levels, troponin levels, markers for oxidative stress, markers for ER stress and inflammation were assessed.ResultsEplerenone treatment significantly improved oxidative stress indicators by increasing GSH and SOD levels and lowering MDA concentrations. Furthermore, in diabetic rat hearts, Eplerenone also decreased the content of ER stress markers GRP78 as well as XBP1 together with inflammatory markers IL-1 beta and NLRP3. Although the serum glucose levels did not change significantly, Eplerenone treatment restored the elevated troponin I levels and showed increased cardiac integrity.ConclusionsEplerenone successfully reduces oxidative stress, ER stress, and inflammation in DCM, indicating its promise as a treatment for diabetes-related complications. More investigation is required to assess Eplerenone's clinical applicability in diabetic patients.