Wogonin attenuates diabetic cardiomyopathy through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties

Among diabetic cardiovascular complications cardiomyopathy is major event which if not well controlled culminates in cardiac failure. Wogonin from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi has shown specific anti-diabetes bioactivity. However, its effect on diabetic complications remains unclear. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the potential effects of wogonin on diabetic cardiomyopathy and to figure out its underlying mechanism. We found that wogonin administration suppressed hyperglycemia, improved cardiac function, and mitigated cardiac fibrosis in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Wogonin supplementation also attenuated diabetic-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and necrosis. In addition, wogonin treatment exhibited the properties of anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation in STZ diabetic mice, evidenced by improved activities of anti-oxidases including SOD1/2 and CAT, decreased ROS and MDA production, suppressed expression of inflammation factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, and PAI-1, and inhibited NF-κB signaling. These results suggested that wogonin potentially mitigate hyperglycemia-related cardiomyocyte impairment through inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress. •Wogonin reduces cardiomyocyte apoptosis and necrosis of diabetic cardiomyopathy.•Wogonin suppresses cardiac fibrosis of diabetic cardiomyopathy.•The mechanism relies on its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative abilities.