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The Effect of Saffron Consumption on Biochemical and Histopathological Heart Indices of Rats with Myocardial Infarction

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Abstract

This study was designed to assess the effects of saffron (Crocus sativus) on rats’ heart with isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury. Animals were divided randomly into four groups: vehicle-control group (CTL); ISO group, administrated with Isoproterenol 85 mg/kg s.c.; saffron group; and finally combined Saffron + ISO group. Basal and final serum levels of heart troponin I, heart tissue antioxidants and histopathological indices were assessed in all groups. Isoproterenol administration significantly increased serum level of troponin I when compared to control group (3.46 ± 0.77 vs. 0.53 ± 0.35 ml in ng/ml, P < 0.001) and reduced significantly the glutathione peroxidase activity of heart muscle (1.63 ± 0.21 vs. 4.01 ± 0.64 nmol/mg protein, P < 0.05). The grade of heart muscle damages was severe in more than 70% of ISO group animals. Saffron + ISO group showed remarkably decreased intensity of tissue destruction and significantly decreased serum levels of heart troponin I, when compared to ISO group (1.25 ± 0.23 vs. 3.46 ± 0.77 ng/ml, P < 0.05). The level of glutathione peroxidase activity in Saffron + ISO animals did not have significant decline compared to saffron alone. These results suggest the protective role of saffron on ischemic hearts by biochemical and histopathological findings.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to Ms. S. Saeb and Ms. Z. Razmi of clinical biochemistry MSc students, for collaborating in biochemical tests’ performance and the Vice Chancellor of Research, Kerman University of Medical Sciences for financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physiology Research Center and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour Medical Faculty, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 7616914115, Kerman, Iran

    Siyavash Joukar, Hamid Najafipour, Mohammad Khaksari, Gholamreza Sepehri & Nader Shahrokhi

  2. Department of Pathology, Afzalipour Medical Faculty, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 7616914115, Kerman, Iran

    Shahriar Dabiri & Soheil Hasanzadeh

  3. Department of Biochemistry and Physiology Research Center, Afzalipour Medical Faculty, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 7616914115, Kerman, Iran

    Ahmad Gholamhoseinian

Authors
  1. Siyavash Joukar
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  2. Hamid Najafipour
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Correspondence to Siyavash Joukar.

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Joukar, S., Najafipour, H., Khaksari, M. et al. The Effect of Saffron Consumption on Biochemical and Histopathological Heart Indices of Rats with Myocardial Infarction. Cardiovasc Toxicol 10, 66–71 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-010-9063-1

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