Overexpression of Homeobox Containing1 Relieves Myocardial Fibrosis and Inflammation in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Rats

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Homeobox containing1 (HMBOX1) on heart structure and function in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy (DCM) rats. DCM is the leading cause of death in diabetic patients, significantly affecting their quality of life. The DCM rat model was created using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection. The success of the model was determined by assessing heart weight, diet, urine output, and cardiac function. HMBOX1 expression in cardiomyocytes of normal and DCM rats was compared. HMBOX1 expression was enhanced in DCM rat cardiomyocytes through jugular vein injection of HMBOX1 lentivirus. The effects of HMBOX1 on myocardial structure, function, collagen levels, inflammatory factors, and the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway in DCM rats were evaluated. DCM rats exhibited increased heart weight, diet, and impaired heart function, confirming successful model creation. HMBOX1 expression was significantly lower in DCM rat cardiomyocytes compared to the control group. Augmenting HMBOX1 expression in DCM rat cardiomyocytes improved cardiac function, myocardial morphology, and reduced collagen I and collagen III expression. HMBOX1 also mitigated inflammation in myocardial tissues. Furthermore, HMBOX1 inhibited the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway in DCM rat cardiomyocytes. Overall, HMBOX1 alleviated DCM by reducing myocardial fibrosis and inflammation via TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway inhibition