Cardioprotective activity of Piper betle juice in isoproterenol induced hypertrophic rat models

Abstract

Impaired electrolytes (preferably Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-, HCO3^-) is one of the key fundamental complications associated with cardiac hypertrophy (enlarged heart) mediated heart failure. Piper betle (P. betle - family Piperaceae) due to its potent antioxidant activity is used in various pharmacological applications. The present study evaluates the cardioprotective (anti-hypertrophic) potential of aqueous (juice) extract of P. betle in restoring electrolyte homeostasis, thereby its ability to curb the fundamental progression of hypertrophy. Isoproterenol (ISO - 10 mg/kg b.w., i.p., 7 days) induced cardiac hypertrophic rats were developed that were simultaneously treated with the standard drug losartan (50mg/kg b.w., orally., 7days) and aqueous juice extract of P. betle (30mg/kg b.w., orally., 7 days). The biochemical estimation of glucose, protein, cholesterol, cardiac marker enzymes like SGOT, SGPT, LDH, enzymatic antioxidants namely SOD, catalase, GPx and electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^- and bicarbonate) in serum were statistically performed along with the histopathological analysis of left ventricles (H&E stain). The present study showed increased levels of glucose, protein, cholesterol, cardiac marker enzymes, reduced enzymatic antioxidants with reduced electrolytes during cardiac hypertrophy (ISO) that were reflected in a histopathological analysis by thickened abnormal myocardial architecture which was reversed similar to normal in plant juice administered rats. Hence, this study demonstrated the beneficial effect of P. betle (aqueous juice) on electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-, HCO3^-), thereby imposing an interventional effect against cardiac hypertrophy.