Infarct-like lesion induced by isoprenaline is a well-known model to study myocardial infarction (MI). Vitamin D has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Recent studies highlighted cross talk between vitamin D and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR- ɣ). The present study was designed to investigate the effect of pretreatment with vitamin D on the isoprenaline-induced infarct-like lesion in rats and the role of PPAR- ɣ as a novel mechanism in vitamin D-mediated cardio protective effect. Markers chosen to assess cardiac damage included serum level of creatine kinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Cardiac contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) have been also assessed. Furthermore, ECG monitoring and measurement of injury extension were carried out. Isoprenaline increased the level of cardiac enzymes as well as inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. In addition, it produced ST-segment elevation. Pretreatment with vitamin D significantly improved previous parameters. The prior treatment with PPAR- ɣ antagonist; bisphenol A diglycidyl ether; (BADGE) significantly attenuated the protective effect of vitamin D. In conclusion, vitamin D can be demonstrated as a promising cardio-protective agent in MI and PPAR- ɣ significantly contributes toward vitamin D-mediated protection. |