Cardioprotective effects of a ruthenium (II) Schiff base complex in diet-induced prediabetic rats

Lindokuhle Patience Mabuza,1 Mlindeli Wilkinson Gamede,1 Sanam Maikoo,2 Irvin Noel Booysen,2 Phikelelani Siphosethu Ngubane,1 Andile Khathi1 1Department of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; 2Department of Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Physics, College of Agricultural, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa Background: Prediabetes and the onset of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are strongly related. Prolonged hyperglycemia has been identified as a major contributing factor in the pathogenesis of CVD and diabetic complications. The management of hyperglycemia and prediabetes-associated vascular complications rely on pharmacotherapy and lifestyle intervention strategies. However, patients still take the conventional drugs and neglect lifestyle intervention; therefore, newer alternative drugs are required. The synthesized ruthenium Schiff base complex has been shown to have elevated biological and antidiabetic activity. Thus, the research investigated the cardioprotective effects of ruthenium (II) Schiff base complex in diet-induced prediabetic (PD) rats. Materials and methods: The rats were randomly allocated to respective groups and treated for 12 weeks. Ruthenium (15 mg/kg) was administered to PD rats once a day every third day. Blood pressure and plasma glucose were monitored throughout the study. Blood and heart tissue were collected for biochemical assays. Results: Ruthenium complex with dietary intervention lead to reduced mean arterial blood pressure which correlated with a restored heart to body weight ratio. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in tissue malondialdehyde and increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase concentration in both the plasma and heart tissue. Furthermore, there was a decrease in plasma triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein with an increased high-density lipoprotein concentration in ruthenium-treated rats. This was further evidenced by reduced plasma tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and cardiac C-reactive protein concentrations in ruthenium-treated rats. Conclusion: Ruthenium coupled with dietary intervention decreased the risk of developing cardiac injury, thus preventing CVD in prediabetes. Therefore, this complex may be a beneficial therapeutic agent in the prevention of PD cardiovascular complications. Keywords: prediabetes, cardiovascular complications, ruthenium, dietary intervention, lipid profile, antioxidants, anti-inflammator