Walnut (Juglans regia L.) kernel extracts protects against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

Walnuts kernels (Juglans regia L.) have rich antioxidants content and have been used in both cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. The current study dealt with the protective role of walnut kernels extracts (WK) on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Rats were pretreated with WK extracts (300 mg/kg) daily for 35 days. Then, isoproterenol (100 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously into rats to induce myocardial infarction. Cardiac diagnostic markers (LDH and CPK), cardiac troponin, heart lipid peroxidation (TBARS and hydroperoxide), antioxidant system (CAT, SOD, GPx, GST, GSH and GSSG) and the levels of lipid profile were evaluated in rats, and the results revealed WK significantly prevented myocardial injury induced by ISO (P<0.05). WK significantly alleviated the oxidative damage and dyslipidemia in isoproterenol-induced MI rats (P<0.05). The effect produced by WK was compared with α-tocopherol. The mechanisms for the protective effects of WK could be attributed to its antilipid peroxidative, antioxidant and antilipidaemic properties. In conclusion, we demonstrated that WK has a significant protective effect against ISO-induced myocardial infarction.