Increased Expression of Desmin Contributes to the Protection of Mustard seed against iron overload- Induced cardio-toxicity in Rats

Background Although iron is an essential element for life, its excess is linked to many disorders. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of mustard seed on iron induced toxicity on the heart in adult male albino rats using biochemical and immunohistochemical methods. Methods A total of 35 rats weighing between 180-250g were divided into seven groups (A, B, C, D, E, F and G) of five per group. Group A (control) was administered 1ml of distilled water, group B, C, D and E were induced with iron (II) chloride for sixty days and treated with different doses of the extract except group B for sixty days, group E was treated with standard drugs at the same time interval, while group F and G received 200mgkg and 400mg/kg of extract respectively using orogastric tube. After last day of administering drugs, the rats were left for an overnight fast and then sacrificed 24 hours later. Heart specimens were dissected from scarified rats to estimate tissue level malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPx) and immunohistochemical staining of desmin. Results Increases in cardiac MDA and decreases in SOD, CAT, and GPx were brought on by iron overload, along with degenerative alterations in the tissues under examination and a decline in desmin expression. All of these measures showed a notable improvement following the administration of mustard seed extract. Conclusion By lowering the iron levels in heart tissue and reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory effects brought on by iron excess, mustard seed may function as an iron chelator.