Role of AIM2 Gene Knockdown Mechanism in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: an In Vivo and Ex Vivo Study

Chronic hyperglycemia induces reactive oxygen species that have an essential function in tissue injuries in cases of diabetic cardiomyopathy. The mechanism of the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2)-associated inflammasome response in diabetic cardiomyopathy is unknown. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate the role of AIM2 and its molecular mechanisms. Diabetic rats received 1 × 10 8 viral injections of 5′-GGTCACCAGTTCCTCAGTT-3′ ( n = 15) or 5′-TTCTCCGAACGTGTCACGT-3′ (negative control group, n = 15). Normal rats ( n = 15) and diabetic rats ( n = 15) were also included in the experiment. Ex vivo study was performed on primary cardiomyocytes for different concentrations of glucose. AIM2 inhibition did not affect any of the metabolic parameters ( p > 0.05 for all). AIM2 protein levels were significantly increased in rats with diabetes mellitus compared with those in the control group ( p < 0.0001, q = 32.044). Also, viral injection (sequence: 5′-GGTCACCAGTTCCTCAGTT-3′) decreased the diabetes mellitus-induced increase in expression of AIM2 protein levels ( p < 0.0001, q = 27.129). Cardiac dysfunctions were reported in rats with diabetes mellitus characterized by several parameters ( p < 0.01 for all). The diabetic myocardium of rats was reported to have higher deposits of extracellular matrix compared to the control rats ( p < 0.001). These effects were downregulated by viral injection (sequence: 5′-GGTCACCAGTTCCTCAGTT-3′). Ex vivo research revealed that high glucose concentrations significantly increased AIM2 protein expression, reactive oxygen species, and cell death. AIM2 protein in diabetic cardiomyopathy is associated with reactive oxygen species production and cardiomyocyte death.