Abstract

The protective effects of Sonchus asper methanol extract (SAME) against KBrO₃-induced oxidative damage in heart tissues of rat were determined in this study. Sprague-Dawley male rats (180 to 200 g) were divided into five groups. Group I: received saline (1 ml/kg b.w., 0.85% NaCl) and DMSO (1 ml/kg b.w.); group II: were injected with KBrO₃ (20 mg/kg b.w., i.p.); group III and IV: treated with KBrO₃ and after 48 with SAME (100; 200 mg/kg b.w.) and group V: with SAME (200 mg/kg b.w.). All the treatments were given twice a week for four weeks. The results revealed that KBrO₃ induced oxidative stress as evidenced by the significant decrease in the activity levels of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, SOD, GSH-Px, GSR, GST, QR, XO) and glutathione (GSH), while increase in the levels of γ-GT, MDA and H₂O₂ in cardiac samples compared with the control group. Serum levels of CK, CK-MB, LDH, uric acid, AST, ALT, ALP, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL were elevated while HDL level was significantly reduced in KBrO₃ group compared with the control. Since SAME treatment reversed these responses dose dependently, it seems likely that S. asper methanol extract can protect the cardiac tissues against KBrO₃ mediated oxidative damage.

Key words: Sonchus asper, KBrO₃, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, CK-MB, LDH.