The Antioxidant Properties and Cardiovascular, Antidiabetic, and Renal Effects of Trimetazidine Described in Research on Experimental Models

Abstract

Experimental studies have played an essential role in drug identification and development in biomedical research. These studies also have applications in conducting postmarketing evaluations to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for their actions. Preclinical studies on marketed drugs have led to the discovery of new mechanisms or biological effects, opening the possibility of expanding their therapeutic applications. Since its discovery, trimetazidine has been used as an antianginal drug. However, after its commercialization, the molecular actions and impact of this drug on ischemic and non-ischemic pathologies have become known. This article presents the mechanisms and antioxidant actions of trimetazidine associated with the effects observed in experimental models of heart disease, nephropathy, and diabetes mellitus. A non-systematic search of the PubMed database was performed using terms related to our objectives. We selected articles on studies focused on cardioprotection, nephroprotection, antioxidants, or diabetic heart disease, which were carried out in preclinical experimental models. The information compiled in this review shows that trimetazidine is effective in reducing damage associated with oxidative stress, as evaluated in different experimental models. The cardioprotective and nephroprotective effects of this drug have been demonstrated in ischemic and non-ischemic models.