Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Kernel Extracts Protect Against Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats

Walnuts kernels (Juglans regia L.) have rich antioxidants content and have been used in both cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. This study dealt with the protective role of walnut kernels extracts (WK) on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Rats were pretreated with WK extracts (300 mg/kg) daily for 35 days. Then, ISO (100 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously into rats to induce MI. Cardiac diagnostic markers (LDH and CPK), cardiac troponin, heart lipid peroxidation (TBARS and hydroperoxide), antioxidant system (CAT, SOD, GPx, GST, GSH, and GSSG) and the levels of lipid profile were evaluated in rats, and the results revealed WK significantly prevented myocardial injury induced by ISO (p < 0.05). WK significantly alleviated the oxidative damage and dyslipidemia in ISO-induced MI rats (p < 0.05). The effect produced by WK was compared with alpha-tocopherol. The mechanisms for the protective effects of WK could be attributed to its antilipid peroxidative, antioxidant, and antilipidemic properties. In conclusion, we demonstrated that WK has a significant protective effect against ISO-induced MI.