Investigation of neprilysin and natriuretic peptide levels in rats treated with Viburnum opulus in an isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction model

Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly abbreviated as MI, is an acute myocardial necrosis condition caused by irreversible damage to heart tissue due to obstruction in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. These coronary arteries become blocked as a result of unstable plaque formation, and the accumulation of platelets, cholesterol, and lipids. Therefore, MI remains one of the most critical global health problems. Biological indicators associated with MI include excessive cytosolic calcium overload, increased superoxide anions and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and elevated levels of reactive nitrogen species (RNS).The aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective effects of Viburnum opulus, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced acute MI in rats. Specifically, the study evaluated the serum levels of Neprilysin, Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP), Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), CK-MB, cardiac Troponin-I (cTn-I), Adrenomedullin, Bradykinin, Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), Total Oxidant Status (TOS), and the Oxidative Stress Index (OSI). A total of 42 male Wistar rats were included in the study and divided into six groups: control (K), isoproterenol (ISO), 400 mg/kg VO (VO400), isoproterenol + 100 mg/kg VO (ISO+VO100), isoproterenol + 200 mg/kg VO (ISO+VO200), and isoproterenol + 400 mg/kg VO (ISO+VO400). Substances were administered to the groups over a period of 30 days. In the last two days of the experiment (days 29 and 30), ISO was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 65 mg/kg/day. Twenty-four hours after the final application, the rats were anesthetized with 1.25 g/kg urethane. At the end of the experiment, ECG measurements were taken, and cardiac tissue and blood samples were collected. Serum levels of cTn-I, CK-MB, ANP, BNP, ADM, NEP, BK, TAS, TOS, and OSI were analyzed using the ELISA method. In the ISO group, myocardial injury markers (cTn-I, CK-MB) and oxidative stress parameters (TOS, OSI) significantly increased, while TAS levels, an indicator of antioxidant defense, were significantly reduced. In the VO-treated groups, particularly at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, significant improvements were observed in these parameters compared to the ISO group. Additionally, the regulatory effects of VO on bradykinin and adrenomedullin levels were found to be notable. The findings suggest that the rich phenolic and flavonoid content of Viburnum opulus may contribute to reducing ISO-induced cardiac damage and support the protection of heart tissue. Accordingly, VO may be considered a potential natural agent for the prevention and supportive treatment of cardiovascular diseases.