THE EFFECT OF OMEGA - 3 FATTY ACIDS ON THE EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED DIABETIC CARDIOMYOPATHY IN ADULT MALE ALBINO RATS

Eman Badawi El Shal*, Mai M.H. Selim Omaima I. Abo-Elkheir and Mona Gamal El-Din Al Anany

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is responsible for about 80% of deaths among diabetic patients. Scientific evidence revealed that a diet rich in long chain omega -3 fatty acids help in the development of healthy brain, heart and immune system. Aim of work: The current study was designed to investigate the biochemical, histological and ultrastructural changes occurring in the diabetic heart of albino rats induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and the possible protective role of the omega-3 fatty acids. Materials and Methods: Forty five adult male albino rats were used in this study. The animals were divided into four groups, each group including 10 male rats except the group I was 15 rats. Group I (control group), Group II (Omega-3 group): was given daily oral dose of 54mg/ rat omega -3 fatty acids dissolved in corn oil. Group III (Diabetic group): this group was given single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ), the dose was 60mg/kg. Group IV (Diabetic and Omega-3 group): in this group the rats were given both omega-3 fatty acids and STZ. The experiment continued for 6 weeks, then blood samples were collected for blood glucose level, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and troponin-I estimation and statistical study was also done. Heart specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic study. Result: Light microscopic results of Group I and II showed the usual histological architecture of the myocardium. Group III showed discontinuous, widely spaced cardiomyocytes, vascular congestion and mononuclear cellular infiltration. Ultrastructural results showed discontinuous broken myofibril, mitochondria swollen of variable shapes and sizes. The blood glucose, CK-MB and troponin-I were significantly increased. Administration of omega-3 fatty acids to the diabetic rats (group IV) ameliorates the previous changes. Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acids administration can protect the heart in cases of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Keywords: cardiomyopathy, STZ, omega -3 fatty acids, diabetes.