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Effect of Maharishi AK-4 on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in isolated rat hearts
W J Cullen1, S A Dulchavsky, T P Devasagayam
1Department of Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Abstract:
Oxidative damage to crucial biomolecules due to excess generation of reactive oxygen species has been implicated as a major cause of organ damage and hence compounds capable of negating such damage have potential benefits. Using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a model pro-oxidant to induce oxidative stress, we have examined the ability of natural food supplement Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK-4) to decrease oxidative damage in potassium-arrested isolated rat hearts. The protocol was that hearts isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats were retrograde-perfused with Krebs-Henseleit (K-H) solution for 30 min for equilibration. After this period, the hearts were subjected to cardioplegia with high potassium (26-30 mM), followed by reperfusion with K-H solution in the presence or absence of 200 microM H2O2. As expected, H2O2 treatment following cardioplegia induced a high degree of oxidative stress as assessed by release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, a marker of plasma membrane damage) and total glutathione (GSH + GSSG). H2O2 also impaired the ability of heart to regain developed tension during the testing period. However, addition of MAK-4 in the perfusate containing H2O2 decreased oxidative stress in terms of release of LDH and glutathione. In parallel with these biochemical studies, in a few experiments the cardiac function was assessed by measuring developed contractile tension. These preliminary studies also showed that in the presence of MAK-4 the H2O2-treated hearts were able to regain better developed tension. Further in vitro studies to examine the possible mechanisms of MAK-4 action reveal that this formulation contains H2O2 binding activity which resulted in the decreased availability of H2O2 itself. Our studies hence reveal that the ayurvedic food supplement MAK-4 may have potential benefits in reducing oxidative stress.
Insights
Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK-4) may protect hearts from oxidative stress. This natural supplement reduced damage markers and improved heart function in isolated rat hearts exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Oxidative Stress Biology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage contribute to organ injury.
- Natural compounds with antioxidant properties are sought for therapeutic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK-4) against oxidative stress in isolated rat hearts.
- To assess MAK-4's ability to mitigate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cardiac damage.
Main Methods:
- Isolated rat hearts were perfused and subjected to cardioplegia followed by reperfusion with or without 200 microM H2O2.
- Oxidative stress was induced using H2O2, and damage was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and glutathione levels.
- Cardiac function was measured by developed tension, and in vitro studies examined H2O2 binding activity of MAK-4.
Main Results:
- H2O2 treatment significantly increased LDH release and altered glutathione levels, indicating oxidative stress and membrane damage.
- MAK-4 administration reduced LDH release and normalized glutathione levels in H2O2-treated hearts.
- Hearts treated with MAK-4 showed improved recovery of developed contractile tension compared to H2O2-only treated hearts.
- In vitro assays demonstrated that MAK-4 possesses H2O2 binding activity, reducing H2O2 availability.
Conclusions:
- The ayurvedic supplement MAK-4 demonstrates protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in isolated rat hearts.
- MAK-4 mitigates cardiac damage by reducing oxidative stress markers and preserving cardiac function.
- The antioxidant mechanism of MAK-4 may involve direct binding and neutralization of reactive oxygen species like H2O2.