Abstract:Background: Iron is an important micronutrient in almost all living organisms for various biological processes, such as hemoglobin synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation and neurotransmitter homeostasis. Multiple organ dysfunctions are caused by iron overload or deficiencies. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Brassica nigra on iron (II) chloride induced cardiac toxicity in adult wistar rats.
Methods: Fifty eight (58) adult wistar rats were equally divided into seven groups; Group A (negative control) received 1ml of distil water, Group B (positive control) received 2mg/kg of iron (II) chloride only. Group C, D and E (induced with 2mg/kg of iron (II) chloride) was treated with 200mg/kg of Brassica nigra, 400mg/kg of Brassica nigra and 50mg/kg of Vitamin C respectively. Group F received 200mg/kg of Brassica nigra only while G was treated with 400mg/kg of Brassica nigra only. The treatment lasted for sixty days. To measure the serum levels of iron, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant (SOD and GPx) activity, blood samples were obtained during the sacrifice of the rats. Heart specimens were dissected from scarified rats for histopathological examination, and immunohistochemical staining for Desmin.
Results: Iron (II) chloride caused increases in serum iron concentration, increase in serum MDA and decrease in serum SOD and GPx with myocardial degenerative changes in the examined tissues and decreasing expression desmin. Treatment with Brassica nigra caused a significant improvement (p?<?0.05) in all the parameters observed.
Conclusion: Thus, Brassica nigra may acts as iron chelator by decreasing elevated serum iron levels, ameliorating oxidative stress, inflammatory effects and muscle protein fiber damage induced by iron overload. Additional studies are needed to detect further molecular mechanisms.
