Cardioprotective and Antioxidant Influence of Aqueous Extracts from Sesamum indicum Seeds on Oxidative Stress Induced by Cadmium in Wistar Rats

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several acute and chronic diseases of the heart as a result of indiscriminate exposure to cardiotoxic heavy metals. The study reported here was designed to evaluate the possible ameliorative effect of aqueous extracts from Sesamum indicum (SI) seeds on oxidative stress induced by cadmium (Cd) in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Daily administration of Cd (200 mg/L Cd as CdCl(2)) in the animals’ main drinking water for 21 days led to oxidative stress. Thereafter, the ameliorative effects were assessed by measuring biochemical parameters such as extent of lipid peroxidation (LPO), lipid profile, and enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, as well as serum aminotransferase activities. RESULTS: Treatment with SI extract elicited notable reduction in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as well as concomitant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. SI extract also reversed the elevations witnessed in serum aminotransferase activities, LPO level, and ameliorated enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant status in the heart of Cd-exposed rats. CONCLUSION: Thus, SI appears to be an attractive candidate with potential for the novel treatment of cardiotoxicity and management of oxidative stress arising from Cd exposure. SUMMARY: Cadmium (200 mg/L) exposure in drinking water caused pronounced oxidative stress and cardiac tissue damage in animal model. Aqueous extract of Sesamum indicum (SI) seeds at a dose of 200 or 400 mg/kg body weight exhibited a significant reversal effect in all biochemical parameters measured such as extent of lipid peroxidation, lipid profile, and enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, as well as serum aminotransferase activities. Aqueous extract of SI seeds possess antioxidant and cardioprotective potential in a dose-dependent manner, thus conferring protection against oxidative stress induced by cadmium. Abbreviation used: SI: Sesamum indicum, Cd: Cadmium, CdCl2: Cadmium chloride, LPO: Lipid peroxidation, TBA: Thiobarbituric acid, ALT: Alanine aminotransferase, AST: Aspartate aminotransferase, ALP: Alkaline phosphatise, TC: Total cholesterol, TG: Triglyceride, HDL-C: Highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, SD: Standard deviation, GSH: Glutathione, SOD: Superoxide dismutase, CAT: Catalase, GST: Glutathione-S-transferase, GPx: Glutathione peroxidise.