Impact of thyroid hormones and grape juice on biochemical markers and metabolic control proteins in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension

Abstract

Background-Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) increases afterload in the right ventricle (RV), inducing adverse ventricular remodelling. Objective- This study explored the protective effects of thyroid hormones and grape juice on serum biomarkers and proteins related to intermediary metabolism in the RV in a model of PAH. Methods- PAH was induced in Wistar rats via the administration of monocrotaline (60 mg/kg i.p.) and they were subsequently treated with organic grape juice (GJ) and thyroid hormones (TH), administered separately or in combination. Results: The RV systolic diameter significantly increased (20%) in the PAH group compared to the control group (P = 0.002). Total CK, LDH, and ALT levels were reduced (~50%) (P<0.001) in the PAH+TH+GJ group as compared to PAH group. Glucose, albumin, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels were reduced (~50%) (P<0.001) in the PAH group; however, these parameters returned to baseline in the PAH+GJ group. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) protein expression increased two-fold (P<0.001) and PDH protein levels were reduced (~25%) in the PAH+TH+GJ group compared to the PAH group (P<0.001). Conclusion: The data suggest that serum biomarkers can help in the evaluation of this disease, and that this therapeutic approach can attenuate maladaptive remodelling in the PAH model.

Keywords:
PGC-1-alpha; Pyruvate dehydrogenase; Monocrotaline; Food intake