EFFECT OF ETHYL ACETATE EXTRACT OF BLACK TEA ON CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH STREPTOZOTOCIN DIABETIC RATS

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular events and microvascular complications. These complications contribute to the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. There is increasing evidence supporting a role for Matrix MetalloProteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases—TIMPs) in the atherosclerotic process. The main cause of vascular complications is increase in collagen-4, Gelatinase A and B content of extracellular matrix of cells which lead to cell wall thickening in DM. The collagen content is regulated by MMP (Matrix MetalloProteinases) enzymes. The up-regulated levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes are responsible for the increased collagen content in extracellular matrix, which further carries micro & macrovascular complications. The involvement of MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes in Diabetic Complications was determined by several scientists well before. The inhibitory effect of Theaflavins on Matrix Metalloproteinases was studied by some scientist on cancerous tumours. It has been reported in the literature that Teaflavins (Theaflavin) in Black Tea are inhibitors of MMP-2 & 9. So, here it was hypothesized that Black Tea which contains Theaflavin can be used for the treatment of DM Complications by inhibition of MMP 2 & 9. The efficacy was measured on Diabetic Cardiac Complications which are the development of a coronary microangiopathy and decrease of diastolic and systolic functions of the left ventricle were measured.