EFFECT OF NARINGENIN ON OXIDATIVE STRESS IN THE HEART TISSUE OF TYPE 1 DIABETIC WISTAR RATS

Cardiovascular complications are the main cause of death in people with type 1 and type 2 di-abetes. Oxidative stress is believed to be the main mechanism that triggers many pathological changes, which may eventually lead to diabetic cardiomyopathy. Flavonoids are present in many plant species and have various biological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of naringenin on se-lected parameters of oxidative stress in the heart tissue of rats with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Naringenin in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight was administered orally for 28 days. Then, rats were euthanized to obtain hearts for laboratory tests. In tissue homogenates, antioxidant enzymes and markers related to oxidative-antioxidant imbalance, such as re-duced and oxidized glutathione, advanced oxidation protein products, malondialdehyde, vitamin C and oxidative stress index were determined. This flavonoid counteracted the development of adverse changes in the organism caused by type 1 diabetes. It was noted that the oxidative damage of proteins and lipids was alleviated, as well as a reduction in the value of the oxidative stress index in the heart. These results indicate the possible utility of naringenin in antidiabetic therapy.