Protective effects of Portulaca oleracea and vitamin E on cardiovascular parameters in rats with subclinical hyperthyroidism

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHT) is an endocrine disorder that is associated with abnormalities in heart structure and function. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cardiac disorders caused by SHT. Portulaca oleracea (P. Oleracea) is a herbaceous plant with many pharmacologic effects including antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, the effects of Portulaca oleracea and vitamin E on the biochemical, hemodynamic, and functional parameters of the cardiac tissue was studied in rats with subclinical hyperthyroidism.

Methods

Fifty-six male rats were divided into seven groups: 1-Control group: daily injection of saline, 2-SHT group: daily injection of levothyroxine sodium (LS) (20 µg/kg), 3- T4+Po groups were given LS and P. oleracea (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg in drinking water), 4- the T4+vit E groups received LS and a daily injection of vitamin E (100 and 200 mg/kg). Cardiac index, systolic blood pressure (SBP), also malondialdehyde and total thiol levels were measured in cardiac tissue.

Results

SBP and maximum dP/dt were significantly increased and minimum dP/dt was significantly decreased in SHT group. In P. oleracea groups, maximum dP/dt were significantly reduced and minimum dP/dt was increased. Malondialdehyde levels and cardiac index in groups receiving vitamin E and P. oleracea were significantly decreased. Maximum dP/dt was decreased in the group receiving LS+vitamin E. Minimum dP/dt was significantly higher in group received LS+ vitamin E.

Conclusion

This study showed that Portulaca oleracea has a positive effect on cardiac dysfunction caused by subclinical hyperthyroidism.

KEYWORDS:

• Portulaca oleracea
• vitamin E
• heart
• oxidative stress
• subclinical hyperthyroidism

Acknowledgments

The results described in this paper are part of a M.Sc. thesis. The authors would like to thank the Vice Presidency of Research of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences for financial support (Grant number: 940085).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Statement of Ethics

The study was carried out in accordance with ethical principles and policies approved by the Committee on Animal Research of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.

Additional information

Funding

This study was part of a MSc student thesis and supported by a grant (Grant number: 940085) from Council of Research, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.