| Journal: |
Antioxidants
doi.org/10.3390/antiox9100977
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| Abstract: |
Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is still a major contributor to mortality worldwide,
and therefore, searching for new drugs is an urgent priority. Natural products are a renewable source
for medicinally and pharmacologically active molecules. The objective of this study was to explore the
potential of geraniol, a monoterpene alcohol, to protect against MI. Methods: Five groups of Wister rats
were used: a control group; a group treated only with geraniol; a group treated only with isoproterenol,
to induce MI; and two groups pretreated with geraniol (100 or 200 mg/kg, respectively) for 14 days and
challenged with isoproterenol on the 13th and 14th days. Several parameters were measured including
electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac markers, the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1
(Keap1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and other downstream antioxidant enzymes,
as well as the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian
target of rapamycin (mTOR) and other downstream apoptotic and inflammatory mediators.
Results: Geraniol treatment reduced the size of the infarct region, attenuated the levels of cardiac
indicators, and diminished myocardial necrosis and immune cell infiltration. Geraniol treatment also
activated the Keap1/Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway, increased antioxidant enzyme activities,
modulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and ameliorated myocardial autophagy, inflammation,
and apoptosis. Conclusion: Geraniol may possess a protective effect against MI through moderating
MI-induced myocardial oxidative stress (glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione
peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and Keap1/Nrf2 pathway), inflammation (IL-1β,
IL-6, TNF-α, and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)), apoptosis (caspase-3, caspase-9, Bcl2, and Bax),
and autophagy (PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway).
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