The Beneficial Effects of Scrophularia atropatana Methanolic Extract on Myocardial Infarction in Rats

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of death among cardiovascular diseases. Reperfusion, the most harmful phase, is accompanied by inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic cascades in cardiomyocytes, impairing the hemodynamic and histologic status of the cardiac tissue. The Scrophularia genus is well known for the cardioprotective effects of its species, showing beneficial impacts on blood pressure and arrhythmias in previous studies. Objectives: Regarding the mechanisms involved in MI and the cardioprotective effects of the Scrophularia genus, in this study, we evaluated the cardioprotective effects of Scrophularia atropatana on MI. Methods: Isoproterenol (ISO) injections (100 mg/kg, sc, 24-hour intervals) were used to induce MI in rats. In intervention groups, two hours after the first ISO injection, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg S. atropatana extract was administered by gavage (24-hour intervals) for three days. Cardiac hemodynamic parameters were measured by placing a catheter into the right carotid artery and the left ventricle. Total antioxidant status (TAS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate levels, and histopathologic changes were evaluated. Results: Induction of MI was accompanied by declined median arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels. In contrast, the heart rate, left ventricle end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lactate levels were elevated in the MI group. Scrophularia atropatana treatment increased the MAP, LVSP, and TAS levels and significantly reduced the heart rate, LVEDP, MDA, and lactate levels. Also, S. atropatana treatment prevented histopathologic changes post-MI. Conclusions: The improving effects of S. atropatana on MI injuries suggest its potential as a complementary cardioprotective medication.