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Updated: Sep 18, 2025
Improved Rodent Model of Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury
Published on: March 7, 2022
Nano Astaxanthin ameliorates myocardial infarction in rats through autophagy
Aliaa M Radwan1, Samar Gaber Shaybob2, Ehab Tousson3
1Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt. alyaa_radwan@science.tanta.edu.eg.
Insights
Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) enhanced astaxanthin (ASX) efficacy in protecting against myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Nano-ASX significantly reduced cardiac damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation, promoting heart repair.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Nanomedicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of mortality in ischemic heart disease.
- Astaxanthin (ASX) shows potential in mitigating inflammation-induced myocardial damage and balancing oxidative stress.
- Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) can enhance drug delivery and bioavailability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardioprotective effects of astaxanthin (ASX) encapsulated in nanostructured lipid carriers (Nano-ASX).
- To evaluate the efficacy of Nano-ASX in an isoprenaline (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction model in rats.
- To assess the impact of Nano-ASX on oxidative stress, inflammation, and autophagy in myocardial tissue.
Main Methods:
- A rat model of myocardial infarction was induced using isoprenaline (ISO).
- Rats were divided into six groups, with oral administration of ASX or Nano-ASX (5 mg/kg) for 21 days prior to MI induction.
- Biochemical assays (CK-MB, Troponin-I, LDH, GSH, GPx, GSH-RD, COX-2, VEGF) and histopathological examinations were performed on blood and cardiac tissue samples.
Main Results:
- Nano-ASX significantly reduced cardiac injury markers (CK-MB, Troponin-I, LDH) compared to controls.
- Nano-ASX treatment enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased inflammatory markers (COX-2, VEGF).
- Nano-ASX upregulated key autophagy genes (Beclin-1, ULK1, LC3B), indicating stimulated autophagic activity for cardiac repair.
Conclusions:
- Astaxanthin encapsulated in nanostructured lipid carriers demonstrates significant cardioprotective potential against myocardial infarction.
- Nano-ASX effectively mitigates oxidative stress, inflammation, and promotes autophagy, contributing to myocardial protection and repair.
- Nano-formulated astaxanthin represents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing myocardial infarction due to improved bioavailability and targeted mechanisms.
Abstract:
Acute myocardial infarction (MI), a serious manifestation of ischemic heart disease, remains the culprit for mortality among coronary heart disease patients. Astaxanthin has demonstrated the ability to alleviate inflammation-induced myocardial damage while maintaining a balance between oxidants and antioxidants. This study investigates the cardioprotective potential of astaxanthin (ASX), particularly when encapsulated in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), in isoprenaline (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in rats. The study involved 48 rats separated into 6 groups. ASX and Nano-ASX (5 mg/kg) were administrated orally for 21 days before MI induction (isoprenaline, 85 mg/kg, subcutaneously). Blood and cardiac tissue samples were taken 24 h following the last isoprenaline injection for biochemical and histopathological investigation. The findings reveal that nano-formulated ASX significantly reduces oxidative stress and cardiac injury markers, including CK-MB, Troponin-I, and LDH. Additionally, it enhances antioxidant enzyme activities (GSH, GPx, and GSH-RD) and decreases inflammatory markers (COX-2 and VEGF). The study further demonstrates that nano-ASX stimulates autophagy by upregulating critical genes such as Beclin-1, ULK1, and LC3B, which are vital for cardiac protection and repair. Histological analysis confirms these biochemical outcomes, showing reduced myocardial damage and inflammation in the nano-ASX-treated groups. This study concludes the potential of ASX nano-formulations as an advanced therapeutic approach for myocardial infarction, leveraging improved bioavailability and targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and autophagic mechanisms.
