PREVENTIVE EFFECT OF Crassulaceae EXTRACT  AGAINST ADRENALINE-INDUCED MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN RATS

Gabriel Otu Ujong; Justin Atiang Beshel; Idara Asuquo Okon; Clement Ikani Ejim; Idam Benedict; Ofem Effiong Ofem

doi:10.5455/JELM.20250119085353

Abstract
Background: Myocardial infarction is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Ethanolic leaf extract of Crassulaceae is reported to have anti-apoptotic and cardio-protective activity. It not known whether or not Crassulaceae extract will ameliorate adrenaline-induced myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods Thirty two (32) Wistar rats weighing between 150g-210g were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each. Group 1 as normal control, Group 2, took ethanolic leaf extract of Crassulaceae (600 mg/kg bwt. orally once daily), Group 3 received Adrenaline (0.5ml/kg body weight i.p. once daily), Group 4, Adrenaline + Crassulaceae. All the groups were given normal rat chow and drinking water ad libitum for 28 days. Thereafter, animals were euthanized using chloroform anesthesia. The heart was harvested and homogenized for laboratory assay. ResultsThe results of the study showed significant (p<0.05) increase in caspase-3 in the adrenaline treated group compared with control and Crassulaceae extract treated groups. Crassulaceae significant (p<0.05) reversed the reductions in BCl2 induced by adrenaline. The extract treated groups had significantly (p<0.05) lowered levels of troponin, myoglobin, creatine kinase, angiotensin converting enzyme, endothelin and adenosine compared with adrenaline group. The extract also significantly (p<0.05) reversed the reductions in Nitric oxide activity induced by adrenaline. Photomicrograph of the heart in adrenaline group showed severe myocytolysis and general myocardial infarction which was ameliorated by administration of the extract. ConclusionEthanolic leaf extract of Crassulaceae possesses anti-apoptotic and cardio-protection potential against adrenalin-induced myocardial infraction.

Key words: Crassulaceae, Apoptosis, Caspase-3, BCl2, ACE, cardiac biomarkers.