Key Findings:
A new biomarker, cardiac troponin (cTnI) has emerged as a measure of risk assessment and management of suspected acute coronary syndrome patients. This research assessed flaxseed supplementation alone and in combination with exercise in isoproterenol induced myocardial ischemia in rats. Levels of cholesterol decreased to those of control with flaxseed alone and decreased significantly with exercise plus flaxseed. Similar trends were apparent with LDL-C. There was a significant increase of high density lipoprotein (HDL) with flaxseed and exercise. cTnI was increased due to myocardial ischemia. This increase was negated by flaxseed. The authors conclude that the combination of flaxseed and exercise warrants further study as a means of improving defense mechanisms in the physiological systems against oxidative stress and inflammation caused by myocardial ischemia.
ABSTRACT:
Flaxseed has recently gained attention in the area of cardiovascular disease primarily because of its rich contents of α-linolenic acid (ALA), lignans, and fiber. Although the benefits of exercise on any single risk factor are unquestionable, the effect of exercise on overall cardiovascular risk, when combined with other lifestyle modifications such as proper nutrition, can be dramatic. This study was carried out to evaluate the protective role of flaxseed and exercise on cardiac markers, lipids profile and inflammatory markers in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial ischemia in rats. The research was conducted on 40 male albino rats, divided into 4 groups (n of 10): group I served as control, group II has acute myocardial ischemia induced by isoproterenol, groups III and IV have acute myocardial ischemia induced by isoproterenol pretreated with flaxseed supplementation orally for 6 weeks, additionally group IV practiced muscular exercise through swimming. Alterations of lipid profile, cardiac and inflammatory markers (Il 1 beta, PTX 3 and TNF alpha) were observed in myocardial ischemia group. Flaxseed supplementation combined with exercise training showed significant increase of HDL and PON 1, on the other hand cardiac troponin, Il- 1beta and TNF alpha levels significantly decreased as compared to myocardial ischemic group. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis of cTnI, PTX 3, Il 1beta and TNF alpha revealed a satisfactory level of sensitivity and specificity. Regular exercise enhances the improvement in plasma lipoprotein levels and cardiovascular protection that results from flaxseed supplementation by mitigating the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Elevation of HDL, the antioxidant PON 1 and the cardioprotective marker PTX 3 emphasizes the protective effects of flaxseed and muscular exercise mutually against the harmful effects of acute myocardial ischemia. (Authors abstract)