Activation of retinoid receptor-mediated signaling ameliorates diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction in Zucker diabetic rats

► Activation of RAR and RXR-mediated signaling ameliorated diabetic cardiomyopathy. ► RAR and RXR inhibit diabetes-induced activation of MAP kinases and NF-κB. ► Activation of RAR and RXR improved cardiac insulin signaling and glucose metabolism. ► RAR and RXR differentially regulate lipid homeostasis and cardiac lipid metabolism.