The Effect of Borage Oil (Borago officinalis) on Lead Acetate-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Authors : Merve Bolat, İsmail Bolat, Samet Tekin, Fikret Çelebi
Pages : 254-260
Doi:10.36483/vanvetj.1774021
View : 127 | Download : 220
Publication Date : 2025-11-30
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Lead acetate (PbAc) is an environmental toxin known to induce cardiotoxicity via oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. This study examined the protective role of borage oil (BO) in PbAc-exposed rats. Five groups were studied: Control, PbAc, PbAc + BO-50, PbAc + BO-100, and BO. Oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)), inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)), and apoptotic genes (B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and Caspase-3) were evaluated using ELISA, real-time PCR, and Western blot. PbAc exposure significantly increased MDA levels (p<0.0001), while BO treatment dose-dependently reduced MDA concentrations (p<0.0001). Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GSH) were significantly reduced in the PbAc group (p<0.0001) but were restored following BO administration (p<0.0001). Pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NF-κB were upregulated by PbAc (p<0.0001) and significantly downregulated with BO treatment. Apoptotic gene expression analysis revealed increased levels of Bax and Caspase-3, along with decreased expression of Bcl-2 in the PbAc group (p<0.0001), indicating apoptosis. These changes were reversed by BO, which lowered Bax and caspase-3 while upregulating Bcl-2 (p<0.0001). Western blot results confirmed the decrease in NF-κB protein levels in BO-treated rats (p<0.0001). These findings suggest that borage oil alleviates PbAc-induced cardiac damage by counteracting oxidative stress, suppressing inflammation, and inhibiting apoptosis. Thus, borage oil may offer a promising protective strategy against heavy metal-induced cardiotoxicity. Further research is recommended to support its clinical relevance.
Keywords : Antioksidanlar, Apoptozis, Hodan yağı, İltihaplanma, Kardiyotoksisite, Kurşun asetat

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