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N-acetylcysteine Offers Cardioprotection by Decreasing Cardiac Lipid Hydroperoxides and 8-Isoprostane Level in Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats

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Abstract

This study investigated the cardioprotective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into control, NAC alone (100 mg/kg BW orally for 14 days), ISO-control (85 mg/kg BW), and ISO with NAC (for 14 days). Serum creatine kinase-MB and Lactate dehydrogenase were measured. From the heart homogenate lipid hydroperoxides (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione (GSH), and 8-isoprostane (IP) were measured. Histopathological examination of the heart was also carried out. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in LPO and IP levels in ISO-control group and NAC treatment reduced these changes. Antioxidant enzyme, SOD and GSH, level decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in ISO-control group, and treatment with NAC was able to reverse these changes significantly (P < 0.05). Histopathologically, ISO-control group showed morphological changes suggestive of cardiotoxicity with large areas of coagulative necrosis, with diffused interstitial edema. NAC treatment successfully reduced these histopathological changes. In conclusion, the study proves that NAC has a strong cardioprotective effect against isoproterenol-induced cardiac changes. NAC decreases isoproterenol-induced LPO and IP levels in the heart tissue and prevented free radicals–induced damage to the myocardium.

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Acknowledgments

The research is funded by a research grant from International Medical University (IMU), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Biology Division, School of Medicine, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Nagaraja Haleagrahara

  2. Division of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Varkkey Julian

  3. Pathology Division, School of Medicine, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Srikumar Chakravarthi

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  1. Nagaraja Haleagrahara
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Correspondence to Nagaraja Haleagrahara.

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Haleagrahara, N., Julian, V. & Chakravarthi, S. N-acetylcysteine Offers Cardioprotection by Decreasing Cardiac Lipid Hydroperoxides and 8-Isoprostane Level in Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats. Cardiovasc Toxicol 11, 373–381 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-011-9132-0

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