Effect of vitamin E alone and in combination with lycopene on biochemical and histopathological alterations in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

BACKGROUND

The present study has been designed to evaluate the combined cardioprotective effect of vitamin E and lycopene on biochemical and histopathological alteration in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

METHODS

Adult male albino rats of Wistar strain were treated with isoproterenol (200 mg/kg, s.c.) for 2 days at an interval of 24 h to develop myocardial infarction. Vitamin E (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and lycopene (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) were administered alone and in combination for 30 days. Change in body weight and organ weight were monitored. Levels of serum marker enzymes (AST, ALT, LDH and CK-MB), lipid peroxidation, endogenous antioxidants (GSH, GPX, GST, SOD and CAT), membrane bound enzymes (Na(+)/K(+) ATPases, Mg(2+) ATPases and Ca(2+) ATPases) were evaluated. LDH isoenzyme separation was carried out using gel electrophoresis. Histopathology of heart tissue was performed.

RESULTS

Induction of rats with isoproterenol resulted in a significant elevation in organ weight, lipid peroxidation, serum marker enzymes (AST, ALT, CK-MB and LDH), and Ca( 2+) ATPases, whereas it caused a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in body weight, activities of endogenous antioxidants (GSH, GP(x), GST, SOD and CAT), Na(+)/K(+) and Mg(2+) ATPases. ISO treated rats showed high intensity band of LDH1-LDH2 isoenzymes. Treatment with the combination of Vitamin E and lycopene for 30 days significantly attenuated these changes as compared to the individual treatment and ISO treated groups. Histopathological observations were also in correlation with the biochemical parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate the synergistic cardioprotective effects of vitamin E and lycopene during ISO-induced myocardial infarction in rats.