Coconut kernel protein in diet protects the heart by beneficially modulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and nuclear factor-kappaB expressions in experimental myocardial infarction

Abstract

Abstract Previous studies conducted in our laboratory revealed that coconut kernel protein has a significant cardioprotective effect on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats. In the present study, we explored the possible protective mechanism of coconut kernel protein during acute myocardial infarction. Coconut kernel protein (50 mg/100 g) was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats orally for 45 days. Isoproterenol (20 mg/100 g) was injected subcutaneously at an interval of 24 hours twice to induce myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction was confirmed by the abnormal activities of cardiac marker enzymes in serum. Activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were decreased ( p p p