Cardioprotective Effects of Sour Cherry Seed Extract (SCSE) on the Hypercholesterolemic Rabbit Heart

摘要: Hypothesis. The present study evaluates the hypothesis that sour cherry seed extract (SCSE) protects against cardiovascular disease and inflammation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits, this protection correlates with SCSE-induced activity of heme oxygenase- 1 (HO-1), a cytoprotective enzyme contributing to oxidative stress responses. Methods: 18 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into three groups receiving: I. cholesterol-free rabbit chow; II. chow containing 2% cholesterol; or III. 2% cholesterol plus SCSE for 16 weeks. Heart functions monitored by echocardiography 0, 4, weeks after the initiation cholesterol-supplemented feeding. At 16-week time-point, isolated hearts subjected ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), followed measurement heart rate (HR), aortic flow (AF), coronary (CF), pressure (AoP), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP). Myocardial infarct size was determined using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC). Quantification fatty streaks assessed Sudan-III staining. Western blot analysis used determine content cytochrome c oxidase III (COX III), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), HO-1 myocardium. Results: Relative cholesterol-treated animals not receiving SCSE, SCSE-treated exhibited significantly improved cardiac function and peak early diastolic velocity atrial ratio (E'/A'), along decreased atherosclerotic plaque formation and size. Increased COX protein expression also noted from rabbits. Conclusions: This demonstrates cardioprotective effects on hearts. Correlation these outcomes with HO-1 suggests effect may be mediated enzyme. However, definitive proof dependence requires further investigation.