On the Protection of ALP Cardiovascular Toxicity by a Novel Mixed Herbal Medicine; Role of Oxidative Stress and Cellular ATP
Amir Baghaei, Neda Hajimohammadi, Maryam Baeeri, Azadeh Mohammadirad, Shokoufeh Hassani and Mohammad Abdollahi
Abstract: Aluminum phosphide (AlP) intoxication is becoming a major concern worldwide due to its high mortality rate (30-100%) besides non-availability of effective antidote till date. The aim of present study was to determine the effect of IMOD™, a novel mixed herbal medicine on energy depletion, oxidative stress and change of electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters in the heart tissue of the rats poisoned by AlP. IMOD™ at doses of 13, 20 and 30 mg kg-1 was administered intraperitoneally 30 min after gavage intragastric administration of AlP (0.25 LD50). Sodium bicarbonate was used as the control. After anesthesia, animals were rapidly connected to PowerLab® device for monitoring of ECG, blood pressure and heart rate for 180 min. At 24 h post treatment, rats were decapitated and hearts removed for evaluation of oxidative stress markers and production of energy. AlP ingestion led to significant heart rate and blood pressure decrement as well as ST variation and shortening of PR interval. Administration of IMOD™ normalized AlP-disturbed cardiovascular parameters. IMOD™ also restored heart energy via re-establishment of cellular ATP pool and elimination of oxidative stress markers. These findings confirm the potential benefits of IMOD™ as an effective treatment for acute AlP poisoning that remain to be trialed clinically.