Rudraksha attenuates right ventricular dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension induced Wistar rats

Abstract

Background

Right ventricular failure (RVF) due to pressure overload is a life-threatening fate in patients with pulmonary hypertension, chronic cardiac disorders and congenital heart diseases. Although it is frequent in critical care units, limited management options are available for RVF as a primary clinical entity.

Methodology

Initiated with in silico screening, pulmonary hypertension (PH)-induced RVF was mimicked in male Wistar rats with a single subcutaneous injection of monocrotaline (60mg/kg). Treatment with 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of hydroalcoholic seed extract of Elaeocarpus angustifolius (synonym: Elaeocarpus ganitrus (rudraksha)) was conducted for four weeks after disease confirmation. Sequential micro-computed tomography (CT) scanning using iodinated contrast media was done in addition to hemodynamic characterization. Blood parameters were assessed after the sacrifice, followed by protein expression, histopathology and gene expression studies.

Results

Right jugular vein catheterization during hemodynamic assessment showed significant improvement in the right ventricular functions after treatment with rudraksha. Both doses significantly increased the stroke volume, cardiac output, and right ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic pressure, reducing the disease severity and associated liver congestion. Histological studies showed distinct restoration of the cardiac morphology in contrast to lung sections. Rudraksha's antioxidant activities are added to its therapeutic activity. Downregulation of fibrotic and inflammatory markers like α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), galectin-3, C-reactive protein (CRP), troponin I, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) after treatment with rudraksha prompted the beneficial role of this extract in heart failure.

Conclusion

Hence, our study provides the basis for an effective formulation that could prevent the progression of pressure overload-induced RVF.