Cardioprotective and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Arthrospira maxima Phycobiliproteins in a Prediabetic Rat Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Arthrospira maxima (Am) is a filamentous cyanobacterium with multiple nutraceutical components, such as essential amino acids, proteins, secondary metabolites, and pigments, such as β-carotene and phycobiliproteins. Am phycobiliproteins are water-soluble proteins and accessory pigments involved in the photosynthetic process with multiple beneficial health effects, such as antiviral, anticancer, and antioxidant. The aim of this work was to analyze the cardioprotective and antihyperlipidemic effects of Am and Am phycobiliproteins ((ExPhy) containing 76% C-phycocyanin (C-PC), 18.4% allophycocyanin (APC), and 3.8% phycoerythrin (PE)) in an acute myocardial infarction model. Methods: Prediabetic Wistar rats were administered with ExPhy (6.75 mg/kg, 12.50 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg) and Am (500 mg/kg) for 21 days, then the ischemia/reperfusion model was performed (1/4) measuring infarct area vs healthy area, in addition to biochemical lipid tests. Results: A reduction in cardiac necrotic damage produced by ischemia was found, as well as a reduction in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol without significant differences in triglycerides and HDL; however, a reduction in the atherogenic index was observed in the doses of ExPhy 12.50 mg/kg and Am 500 mg/kg administered subchronically. Conclusion: Am and ExPhy showed cardioprotective and antihyperlipidemic action in the prediabetic rat model, because of its ability to modulate key signaling pathways involved in cell survival, inflammation, and lipid metabolism, hence acting as potential adjuvants against damage caused by cardiac ischemia and reperfusion.