Activation of a cell signaling pathway in diabetic heart disease and the effects of valsartan in rats

The volume of collagen in myocardial tissue of the diabetic cardiomyopathy group was 17% ± 3%, significantly higher than the control group at 11% ± 3%.

• Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) was associated with increased levels of fast blood-glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol, while insulin sensitivity decreased significantly.
• In DCM rats, left ventricular end diastolic pressure and diastolic function were significantly impaired compared to control and valsartan groups.
• The expression of TGFbeta(1), TGFbetaRII, Smad2, and Smad3 mRNA levels were significantly higher in the DCM group compared to controls.
• Valsartan treatment lowered collagen content in myocardial tissue compared to the DCM group.
• The activation of the TGFbeta(1)/Smads signaling pathway may contribute to myocardial fibrosis in DCM.

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