Protective Effects of Moringa oleifera Against Glucolipotoxicity-Induced Oxidative Stress and Cardiac Histological Alterations in Rats
Sara MERZOUGA, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB) (Algeria)
Sihem BERDJA, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB) (Algeria)
Leila SMAIL, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB) (Algeria)
Abd El Hamid SAHRAOUI, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB) (Algeria)
Nadjiba HAMLET, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB) (Algeria)
Abstract
Glucolipotoxicity, resulting from chronic exposure to excessive sugars and lipids, is a major determinant in the development of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. This nutritional imbalance induces oxidative stress and tissue alterations, particularly affecting the myocardium.
The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a high sugar-fat diet on oxidative status and cardiac histological changes in Rattus norvegicus*, as well as to investigate the therapeutic potential of aqueous extract of* Moringa oleifera (MO) in preventing or attenuating these alterations. Rats were fed a hyperglucidolipidic diet for 9 months to induce glucolipotoxicity. Oral treatment with aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera (200 mg/kg/day) was administered during the last 30 days. Biochemical parameters (glycemia, triglycerides), oxidative stress markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), catalase (CAT)), and histological evaluation of cardiac tissue were assessed. The hyperglucidolipidic diet induced hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and a marked oxidative imbalance (increased TBARs and decreased CAT), associated with severe myocardial lesions including fibrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and connective tissue accumulation. Treatment with Moringa oleifera resulted in significant improvement of metabolic parameters and restoration of redox status, as evidenced by decreased malondialdehyde levels and increased catalase activity. Histological analysis revealed a notable reduction in cardiac lesions, indicating a cardioprotective effect. These findings suggest that aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera exerts promising therapeutic effects against glucolipotoxicity through its antioxidant, metabolic, and histoprotective properties, and may contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular complications associated with chronic nutritional disorders.
Keywords: Glucolipotoxicity; Moringa oleifera; Oxidative stress; Cardioprotection; Hyperglycemia
REFERENCES
[1] Furukawa S et al. (2004). Increased oxidative stress in obesity.
[2] Siti HN et al. (2015). Oxidative stress and cardiovascular diseases.
[3] Leone A et al. (2015). Moringa oleifera: nutritional and medicinal properties.
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