Protective effect of vitamin D on cardiac damage due to ischemia/reperfusion in ovariectomized rats

The transition period to menopause and the menopausal period are associated with a decrease in estrogen levels, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition to hormone replacement, D vitamin supplements are given to individuals in the menopause period to prevent osteoporosis. While the protective effects of D vitamin on cardiac damage have been observed, its impact on preventing or mitigating ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute cardiac injury in the absence of estrogen hormone has not been investigated. In our study conducted at the Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University laboratory for experimental animals, we aimed to explore the potential protective effect of D vitamin on ischemia/reperfusion-induced cardiac damage in ovariectomized rats. A total of 24 female Sprague Dawley rats were used in our study, divided into four groups: control group, D vitamin group, ovariectomy group, and ovariectomy + D vitamin group. Ischemia/reperfusion protocol and subcutaneous D vitamin administration at a dose of 1000 IU/week were implemented in the experimental groups. According to the findings of our study, concerning Serum Troponin T levels, the p-value between the control and ovariectomy group was 0.005, between the D vitamin and D vitamin + Ovariectomy group was p=0.021, and between the Ovariectomy and D vitamin + Ovariectomy group was p=0.000. Similarly, for serum MDA levels, the p-value between the control and ovariectomy group was p=0.021, between the D vitamin and ovariectomy group was p=0.003, and between the Ovariectomy and D vitamin + Ovariectomy group was p=0.02. The overall findings of the study indicate that D vitamin supplementation may have the potential to regulate serum Troponin T and MDA levels, implying a protective or mitigating effect against cardiac damage. Additionally, it appears to possess the potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases that may arise after ovariectomy. However, these findings need further support through more extensive clinical studies, and a more detailed understanding of the mechanism is required.