Effect of Anti-oxidant Treatment on Hyperhomocysteinemia-induced Myocardial Fibrosis and Diastolic Dysfunction

Background: Recent studies demonstrate that hyerhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for heart failure. Oxidant stress is a major mediator of the pathogenic effects of hyperhomocysteinemia. Methods: We utilized a rat model of diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemia to examine whether treatment with an anti-oxidant vitamin (C&E) combination will prevent hyperhomocysteinemia-induced myocardial fibrosis. Results: Dietary anti-oxidant therapy attenuated hyperhomocysteinemia-induced increases in myocardial oxidant stress and myocardial fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction. Conclusions: Hyperhomocysteinemia acts via oxidant stress to promote myocardial fibrosis and dysfunction. Dietary anti-oxidant therapy Could be an important preventive and therapeutic strategy in diastolic heart failure. J Heart Lung Transplant 2008-127:1237-41. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.