TGFB1 and diabetic cardiomyopathy: A study by Zhang et al. demonstrated in Sprague-Dawley rats that were induced to become diabetic through the injection of streptozotocin [125] that matrine (an inhibitor of the TGF-β/Smad pathway) administration in rats could prevent diabetic cardiomyopathy, as indicated through reduced fibrosis, recovery of LV function and heart compliance [125].