ABSTRACT
We evaluated the cardioprotective effect of Aloe vera gel isoprenaline (ISO)-administered myocardial infarction in rats. ISO administration increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in rats, which were ameliorated by A. vera gel supplementation. Our study also revealed that creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) activities were increased in ISO-administered rats, while the activities of cellular antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and glutathione concentration were decreased. A. vera gel lowered CK-MB enzyme activities and the glutathione concentration in ISO-administered rats, and increased antioxidant activities. Histopathological examination also revealed increases in thickness of the left ventricle myocardium, increases in mononuclear cell infiltrations, increased degeneration of focal areas of the endocardium, and increased fibrous tissue deposition in the heart of ISO-administered rats; whereas, A. vera prevented infiltration of inflammatory cells and reduced left ventricular fibrosis. In conclusion, we show that A. vera supplementation protects against development of cardiac inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress in ISO-administered rats.