Antioxidant effect of valsartan in experimental model of myocardial infarction

This study was done to investigate the antioxidant effect of valsartan, an AT1 receptor blocker, when administered in experimental model of myocardial infarction (MI). MI was induced in rats by administration of adrenaline at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight subcutaneously two injections 24 hrs apart and was assessed by significant elevation of marker enzymes (CK-MB and AST). Valsartan (30 mg/kg body weight) was administered through intragastric tube daily for 2 weeks in both pre- and post- MI groups. Oxidative stress was assessed by the activities of malondialdehyde (MDA) level and reduced glutathione (GSH) level in erythrocytes. In both treated groups, valsartan caused significant recovery of the biochemical markers, GSH and MDA level. These findings suggest that pre- and post-treatment with valsartan had an anti-oxidant effect in patients who are at risk of acute myocardial infarction.