Myocardial infarction model in rats: can crocin reverse myocardial infarction-induced cardiac hepatopathy in melatonin deficiency?

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of crocin, a carotenoid component of saffron, on liver damage induced by myocardial infarction (MI) in melatonin deficiency. A synthetic catecholamine called isoproterenol (ISO) was utilised to cause MI-like lesions in rats, simulating the symptoms of heart failure. Using 70 Wistar Albino rats, the following groups were established: (i) control, (ii) sham, (iii) pinealectomy (PNX), (iv) isoproterenol (85 mg/kg), (v) PNX + ISO, (vi) PNX + Crocin (30 days/50 mg/kg), and (vii) PNX + ISO + crocin. To evaluate liver damage, histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses were performed. MI significantly increased oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde and decreased antioxidant levels (glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase). Crocin treatment improved oxidative stress markers compared to the untreated groups. Elevated liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase) confirmed liver injury in the ISO groups. The levels of these enzymes were not substantially changed by crocin treatment. The liver tissue from the ISO and PNX groups showed moderate-to-severe damage, including inflammation, apoptosis, and hepatocyte degeneration. Crocin treatment reduced these histopathological changes. Crocin reduced the expression of Caspase-3 and increased Ki-67 expression, suggesting its potential to inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis and promote liver regeneration. Crocin treatment showed hepatoprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, liver enzyme levels, and histopathological damage. More research is required to fully understand the mechanisms of crocin's protective actions and evaluate its clinical applicability.