title: 'Ajwa' dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) extract ameliorates isoproterenol-induced cardiomyopathy through downregulation of oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic molecules in rodent model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Ajwa, a special variety of Saudi Arabian dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a rich source of nutrients, fibers and bioactive molecules. While previous studies have shown the therapeutic value of dates phytoconstituents in liver and kidney diseases etc., its cardioprotective potential remains elusive. We therefore, investigated the cardioprotective effect of lyophilized Ajwa extract (AJLE) ex vivo as well as in vivo.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ex vivo cardioprotective effect of AJLE was evaluated on DCFH-toxicated cardiomyoblast cells (H9C2). In vivo hemodynamics, cardiac function, serum cardiac enzymes, myocardial antioxidant, inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers as well as histopathological parameters were studied in IPS-injured Wistar rat heart tissues.
  
  
  RESULTS
  AJLE (250 µg/ml) attenuated the cytotoxicity and enhanced the H9C2 proliferation by up to 40%. Oral administration of AJLE (250 and 500 mg/kg.bw) prevented the depletion of endogenous antioxidants (CAT, SOD, NP-SH and NO) and myocyte injury marker enzymes, and inhibited lipid peroxidation (MDA, MPO). Moreover, AJLE downregulated the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNFα) and apoptotic markers (caspase-3 and Bax), and upregulated the anti-apototic protein Bcl2. Histological data showed that AJLE pretreatment reduced myonecrosis, edema, and infiltration of inflammatory cells and restored the cardiomyocytes architecture.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Taken together, our data revealed that AJLE had strong antioxidant, hypolipidimic, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic potential against myocardial damage. This further endorses the use of Ajwa in Arabian traditional medicine against cardiovascular diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia ; Center for Medicinal, Aromatic and Poisonous Plants Research, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Yahya
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Raish
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia ; Center for Medicinal, Aromatic and Poisonous Plants Research, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Mansour S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: AlSaid
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Ajaz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia ; Center for Medicinal, Aromatic and Poisonous Plants Research, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Ramzi A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Mothana
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Sohaibani
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Mohammed S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Al-Dosari
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia . Electronic address: khalid_parvez@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Mohammad K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Parvez
authors.affiliation: Center for Medicinal, Aromatic and Poisonous Plants Research, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Syed
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rafatullah
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007545:Isoproterenol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D023421:Models, Animal; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D065749:Phoeniceae / Q000737:chemistry; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012529:Saudi Arabia
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D007545:Isoproterenol
keywords: Ajwa dates; Cardioprotection; Hyperlipidemia; Isoproterenol; Myocardiac injury; Oxidative stress