Protective role of Ascidia sydneiensis Stimpson, 1855 on cardiac enzyme biochemistry and histopathology in isoproterenol - induced myocardial ischemia

Myocardial ischemia refers to the condition in which a portion of a heart is starved of oxygen and nutrients as a result of sudden block i the coronary arteries. It may be caused by chemotherapy, complications from anorexia nervosa , adverse effects of heavy metals intake and an incorrectly administered drug.The aim of the study is to investigate the protective role of Ascidia sydneiensis in isoproterenol - induced myocardial ischemia in rats. The extract was administered at a dose of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg bw i.g.c for 28 days. The animals of ISO control and Ascidia sydneiensis pretreated groups were given isoproterenol (150 mg/kg bw) at an interval of 24 hours on 29 th and 30 th day of the experiment. Biochemical parameters like LDH, AST, ALT in serum and lipid peroxidation marker enzyme - MDA in both serum and tissue; enzymatic and non-enzymatic myocardial antioxidant enzymes - SOD, CAT, GPx in heart tissue and GSH in both serum and tissue were analysed following standard procedures. Histopathological architecture of cardiac muscle was also studied. A significant increase in the level of LDH, AST, ALT in the serum and lipid peroxidation marker enzyme - MDA in serum and heart tissue and decrease in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant enzymes - SOD, CAT, GPx in heart tissue and GSH in both serum and tissue were noted in ISO treated groups. In the pretreated groups all the above parameters were normal. Restoration of enzyme level observed in the co-treated groups indicate that the extract has protective role in ISO - induced myocardial ischemia. Histopathological studies also confirmed the protective nature of the extract on heart tissue. Based on present findings, it is concluded that Ascidia sydneiensis may be a potential and therapeutic agent against the oxidative stress associated ischemic heart disease owing to antioxidant and antiperoxidative activity.