Protective effect of crocin on hemodynamic parameters, electrocardiogram parameters, and oxidative stress in isolated hearts of rats exposed to PM(10)

OBJECTIVE(S): Exposures to particulate matter (PM) have been related to increased risk for cardiovascular health effects and can promote cardiac ischemia and oxidative stress. Crocin has strong antioxidant properties and stress-reducing effects. Therefore, this study considered the effect of crocin on cardiovascular parameters in rats exposed to PM(10). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Wistar rats (male, 250–300 g) were grouped as control, receiving normal saline and crocin, receiving PM(10), receiving PM(10)+Crocin. Instillation of PM(10) into the trachea was done. Forty-eight hours after exposure to the normal saline or PM, the heart was separated. Hemodynamic and electrophysiological factors were measured. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase activity (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase, were evaluated by kits. RESULTS: The voltage of the QRS complex was significantly reduced and PR and QTc intervals increased in PM(10) groups. Hemodynamic parameters before ischemia and in the ischemic-reperfusion stage, in the PM(10) group, showed a significant decrease. In the ischemic hearts of the PM(10) group, a significant decline in the activity of CAT, SOD, and GPx, and a significant increase in MDA and XOX enzymes activity were observed, and crocin improved all of these factors. CONCLUSION: Cardiac ischemia causes abnormal hemodynamic factors of the heart, which are exacerbated by PM(10) and further reduce the heart’s contractile strength. Increased oxidative stress due to PM(10) is probably one of the important reasons for these changes. This study suggests that the use of antioxidants such as crocin improves the cardiovascular adverse effects of myocardial ischemia and PM(10) exposure.