World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS OF MYOCARDIAL INJURY AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL CARDIOMYOPATHY FOLLOWING FLUORIDE ADMINISTRATION IN RATS

*Shashi A. and Shiwani Dogra

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective: Fluoride uptake in coronary arteries is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk of sudden death. It interferes with numerous enzyme systems resulting in elevation of key risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, there are few studies about the effects of fluorosis on cardiovascular system. The study aims to investigate the effect of fluoride on cardiac biomarkers and ultrastructural changes. Materials and Methods: A total of eighteen Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups of six rats each. The control group received 1 ml deionized water/kg b.w./day and groups II and III were given 300 and 600 mg NaF/kg b.w./day respectively for 40 days. At the end of experimental fluoride, all animals were sacrificed and heart tissue was isolated and processed for biochemical analysis and ultrastructural changes. Results: There was significant (P< 0.0001) accumulation of fluoride in cardiac tissue of fluorotic rats. The level of cardiac troponin-T and the activities of biomarker enzymes viz; creatine kinase-MB, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were significantly elevated (P< 0.0001) in the fluoride administered rats as compared to control. Correlation analysis exhibited a positive relationship between levels of fluoride and cardiac troponin-T as well as activities of functional biomarker enzymes. Transmission electron microscopic examination of cardiac tissue showed nuclear condensation, basophilic degeneration, cytomorphosis, wide spaces in sarcoplasm, cytoplasmic matrix edema, thinning and lysis of myocardial myofibrils, swollen and disorganized mitochondria in fluoridated rats. The elongated nuclei, intact nuclear membrane, and a striated appearance of myocardial fibers were noted in control rat. Conclusion: The present study revealed that fluoride induces cardiotoxicity through biochemical disruptions and direct ultrastructural damage to cardiac tissue. The observed increase in cardiac biomarkers correlates with the ultrastructural abnormalities, affirming the detrimental impact of fluoride at both biochemical and cellular levels during experimental fluorosis.

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