Protective effects of pomegranate on electrocardiographic, biochemical and histoarchitectural changes in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in rats

Abstract

Aims: This study is aimed to investigate the protective effects of Pomegranate fruit extract on ECG, biochemical and histoarchitectural changes in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction in rats.Materials and Methods: Male albino rats were treated with Pomegranate fruit extracts (100 mg/kg/day, p.o) for a period of 30 days. ISO (200 mg/kg, s.c) was injected to rats on 29th and 30th day at an interval of 24 h to produce myocardial infarction. On day 31st electrocardiographic, biochemical, histoarchitectural and apoptotic changes were monitored from control and experimental groups.Results: ISO injected rats showed a significant alteration in ECG pattern. The levels of cardiac and inflammatory markers such as Lactate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase-MB were significantly increased. A significant alteration in lipid peroxidation and biomarkers of oxidative stress (GSH, SOD and CAT) were observed. In addition, it also showed significant alteration in collagen content (Masson's Trichrome staining) and glycogen content (Periodic acid Schiff's staining) of the heart. Treatment with Pomegranate fruit extract (PGFE) significantly reduced ISO induced alteration in ECG, biochemical and histoarchitectural changes.Conclusions: In conclusion the present study showed that treatment of PGFE significantly attenuates myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol.