Effect of Ankaferd blood stopper on Cadmium-induced heart damage in male rats
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), a widespread environmental contaminant, is known to cause tissue injury through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The heart is particularly vulnerable to such toxic effects. Ankaferd Blood Stopper, a standardized herbal hemostatic agent, also exhibits notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. This study aimed to explore the potential protective effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper against cadmium-induced cardiac injury, evaluating whether Ankaferd Blood Stopper administration mitigates histopathological and apoptotic damage in cardiac tissue caused by cadmium toxicity in rats. Thirtytwo male Wistar Albino rats (350–450 g) were divided into four groups (n=8 each): Control (saline, i.p.), Cd (2.5 mg/ kg CdCl₂, i.p.), Ankaferd Blood Stopper (0.5 mL ABS, i.p.), and Cd + Ankaferd Blood Stopper (CdCl₂ + Ankaferd Blood Stopper, both i.p.). After treatment, cardiac tissues were collected and evaluated using histopathological staining and Caspase-3 immunohistochemistry. Blood samples were also collected for biochemical analysis. Cadmium exposure resulted in marked myocardial damage, including inflammatory infiltration, vascular congestion, and disorganized myofibers. Caspase-3 expression confirmed increased apoptotic activity. Ankaferd Blood Stopper administration significantly reduced histopathological lesions and Caspase-3 immunoreactivity in the Cd + Ankaferd Blood Stopper group, suggesting a protective effect. Ankaferd Blood Stopper effectively attenuated cadmium- induced cardiac injury, likely due to its antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties. These findings indicate that Ankaferd Blood Stopper may offer therapeutic benefits in preventing or alleviating heavy metal-induced cardiovascular damage. Additional research is needed to validate these effects in long- term and clinical models.
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