Role of Mitochondrial Enzymes and Sarcoplasmic ATPase in Cardioprotection Mediated by Aqueous Extract of Desmodium gangeticum (L) DC Root on Ischemic Reperfusion Injury

Abstract

The present study investigate the protective effect of aqueous root extract of Desmodium gangeticum in preserving mitochondrial and sarcoplasmic ATPase during ischemia reperfusion injury. The isolated rat hearts in both drug and control group were subjected to warm ischemia (37°), followed by reperfusion with the Langendorff perfusion system. The aqueous root extract of Desmodium gangeticum (L) at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight was found to be effective in the rat heart for the management of ischemic reperfusion injury. Physiological parameters were significantly (P<0.05) improved in drug treated rat hearts. Creatine phosphokinase in coronary perfusate found to be declined. Moreover, sarcoplasmic ATPase and mitochondrial enzymes were significantly (P<0.05) improved in drug treated rat hearts. In fact, histological analysis of the myocardium also suggested an improved ultra structure in Desmodium gangeticum treated rat heart. These results suggest that Desmodium gangeticum aqueous root extract can preserve the mitochondrial and sarcoplasmic ATPase in the myocardium, resulting in the improvement of cardiac function after ischemia reperfusion injury.

Keywords: Desmodium gangeticum; ischemia; mitochondrial enzymes; reperfusion; sarcoplasmic ATPase.

Fig. 1

GC mass spectrum for water extract of Desmodium gangeticum root

Fig. 2

Histological analysis of rat heart with H and E staining and light microscopy. (a) Normal control; most cells are elongated and rod shaped. (b) 30 min ischemia followed by 15 min reperfusion; striated muscles and contracted bands. (c) 30 min ischemia followed by 30 min reperfusion; cell swelling, striated muscles and blood vessels seen. (d) 30 min ischemia followed by 45 min reperfusion; cell swelling and increased congested blood vessels. (e) pre- treatment with Desmodium gangeticum root extract followed by 30 min ischemia and 45 min reperfusion; Elongated cells that suggest the beneficial effect. (f) pre-treatment with Desmodium gangeticum root extract followed by 30 min ischemia and 45 min reperfusion; cells are intact and except few cells all the cells are normal. A layer of blood vessel lined by endothelial cells seen.(g) pre-treated with verapamil followed by 30 min ischemia and 45 min reperfusion; cell swelling and loss of striations.