Flaxseed is an ancient commercial oil that historically has been used as a functional food to lower
cholesterol levels. However, despite its longstanding treatment, there is currently a lack of scientific
evidence to support its role in the management of cardiac remodeling. This study aimed to address this
gap in knowledge by examining the molecular mechanism of standardized flaxseed oil in restoring
cardiac remodeling in the heart toxicity vivo model. The oil fraction was purified, and the major
components were standardized by qualitative and quantitative analysis. In vivo experimental design was
conducted using isoproterenol ISO (85 mg/kg) twice subcutaneously within 24 h between each dose.
The rats were treated with flaxseed oil fraction (100 mg/kg orally) and the same dose was used for
omega 3 supplement as a positive control group. The GC-MS analysis revealed that α-linolenic acid
(24.6%), oleic acid (10.5%), glycerol oleate (9.0%) and 2,3-dihydroxypropyl elaidate (7%) are the major
components of oil fraction. Physicochemical analysis indicated that the acidity percentage,
saponification, peroxide, and iodine values were 0.43, 188.57, 1.22, and 122.34 respectively. As
compared with healthy control, ISO group-induced changes in functional cardiac parameters. After 28-day pretreatment with flaxseed oil, the results indicated an improvement in cardiac function, a decrease
in apoptosis, and simultaneous prevention of myocardial fibrosis. The plasma levels of BNP, NT-pro-BNP,
endothelin-1, Lp-PLA2, and MMP2, and cTnI and cTn were significantly diminished, while a higher
plasma level of Topo 2B was observed. Additionally, miRNA – 1 and 29b were significantly
downregulated. These findings provide novel insight into the mechanism of flaxseed oil in restoring
cardiac remodeling and support its future application as a cardioprotective against heart diseases.
BMC Complement Med Ther., 2024, 2024 Jan 2;24(1):6. doi: 10.1186/s12906- 023-04319-8