Morinda citrifolia (Noni) and low dose aspirin prevent apoptotic cell death and oxidative stress on isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in rats

Abstract

Objective: Isoproterenol (iso)-induced myocardial infarction is a widely used experimental model to study the beneficial effects of many drugs. Morinda citrifolia (noni) has traditionally been used for treating many diseases. Low-dose aspirin may have been protected heart tissueThis study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of noni (20%) and low-dose aspirin (30 mg/kg) against iso-induced acute myocardial infarction in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into control, iso, iso+noni, iso+aspirin, and iso+aspirin+noni groups (n=8). Myocardial infarction was induced by subcutaneous injection of iso (100 mg/kg) for two consecutive days. Iso-induced rats showed increased serum Creatine kinase- muscle brain CK-MB activity. The effects of noni (20%) and low-dose aspirin (30 mg/kg) were evaluated in response to iso-induced changes, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), DNA fragmentation, caspase-3, and cathepsins B and L. Results: Oral treatment with 20% noni juice and low-dose aspirin (30 mg/kg) for 7 days significantly decreased apoptotic markers such as DNA fragmentation, caspase-3, and cathepsins B and L; increased antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and catalase activities; and decreased MDA levels. Conclusion: We propose that the protective effect, antiapoptotic and antioxidant mechanisms of noni and low dose aspirin may be on iso-induced myocardial infarction.