Abstract
Obesity upsurges the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, primarily heart failure and coronary heart disease. Chia seeds have a high concentration of dietary fiber and increased concentrations of anti-inflammatoryand antioxidant compounds. They are used for weight loss plus enhancing blood glucose and lipid profile. The current perspective was commenced to examine the protective influence of chia seeds ingestion on cardiovascular disease risk factors in high-fat diet-fed rats. Forty male albino rats (with an initial body weight of 180–200 g) were used in this study. Rats were randomly and equally divided into 4 groups: Group I was the control group and group II was a control group with chia seeds supplementation. Group III was a high-fat diet group (HFD) that received HFD for 10 weeks and group IV was fed on HFD plus chia seeds for 10 weeks. In all groups Echocardiographic measurements were performed, initial and final BMI, serum glucose, AC/TC ratio, lipid profile, insulin (with a computed HOMA-IR), creatinine phosphokinase-muscle/brain (CPK-MB), CRP, and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and MAP were estimated. Whole heart weight (WHW) was calculated, and then WHW/body weight (BW) ratio was estimated. Eventually, a histopathological picture of cardiac tissues was performed to assess the changes in the structure of the heart under Haematoxylin and Eosin and Crossmon’s trichrome stain. Ingestion of a high diet for 10 weeks induced a clear elevation in BMI, AC/ TC, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, CRP, CPK-MB, and cTnI in all HFD groups. Moreover, there was a significant increase in MAP, left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD). Furthermore, histological cardiac examination showed structural alteration of the normal structure of the heart tissue with an increase in collagen deposition. Also, the Bcl-2 expression in the heart muscle was significantly lower, but Bax expression was significantly higher. Chia seeds ingestion combined with HFD noticeably ameliorated the previously-recorded biochemical biomarkers, hemodynamic and echocardiography measures, and histopathological changes. Outcomes of this report reveal that obesity is a hazard factor for cardiovascular disease and chia seeds could be a good candidate for cardiovascular system protection.
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Introduction
Obesity causes at least 2.8 million deaths every year due to its associated comorbidities and the global prevalence of obesity is nearly tripled between 1975 and 20161. Obesity is a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD)2. This could be attributed to obesity itself or because of linked medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and insulin resistance3,4. Obesity plays a substantial role in atherosclerosis5 and coronary artery disease6. It also induces functional and structural alterations of the heart, which in turn leads to heart failure7. The changed myocardial structure elevates the danger of atrial fibrillation8 and sudden cardiac death9.
Apoptosis and cardiomyocyte programmed cell death have a pivotal role in obesity-induced heart disease development and progression10. Accumulation of triglyceride in the heart muscle in obese patients enables the release of toxic like diacylglycerol and ceramide, producing apoptosis of cardiomyocytes11.
An essential population behavior is a potent tendency to utilize foods, nutritional supplements, or diets that have reporting of weight loss12,13. Also, the use of dietary fibers enhances the loss of weight, improves levels of lipid and blood glucose, and lessens blood pressure14,15.
Chia is a herbal extract that belongs to the family Lamiaceae16. It has been discovered by ancient Central American civilization to use chia as a food and medicinal source, and more recently it has been extensively used by researchers owing to its different chemical constituents that give essential health advantages to individuals consume it17,18.
Several studies reveal that chia seeds are rich in lipids, protein,soluble and insoluble dietary fibers,and phenolic compounds. Such reports demonstrate that consumption of chia seeds can reduce levels of triglyceride and cholesterol,control good glycemic levels, help in weight loss, and lessen risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM),obesity,lessening postprandial glucose excursion19,20,21,22,23,and inflammation24.A recent report documents that chia seeds carry omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants which are essential components in minimizing the risk of CVD25.
Hence, the main goal of this report is to assess the potential cardio-protective effects of chia seeds in rats that received high-fat diets via assessing biochemical-hemodynamic biomarkers and illustrating anatomical and histopathological pictures.
Material and methods
This study was carried out on 40 adult male albino rats (average body weight 180-200 g). During the first 14 days of acclimatization, the animals were fed a regular rodent diet. After this period, rats were randomly distributed into four groups of 10 animals per group. The first group was a control (group I) and the second one was a control and dietary supplement in chia seeds (group II). The third group was dietary supplemented with a High-fat diet (group III) and the last group received a high-fat diet with chia seeds supplementation (group IV).Groups I and II were fed on standard chow (12.6 kJ/g) which was composed of 18 % protein, 77% carbohydrate, and 5% fat. While groups III and IV were enriched ina high-fat diet (HFD) (18.4% protein,60.3% fat, and 21.3% carbohydrate)as described by26 for 10 weeks to induce chronic obesity.Chia seeds (Salvia Hispanica),obtained from Holland & Barrett Company, Leicester, UK,were represented 15% of diet weight in groups supplemented with chia27.This percentage was considered a quantity that theoretically contains enough omega 3 (ω-3) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)28.
The death percentage during the whole study was 3 %.The experiment was performed following the principles for the use and care of research animals and was accepted by the Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University under supervision of the Institutional Research Board (ZU-IACUC/3/F/249/2022).
Anthropometric measures
Calculating body mass index (BMI) and abdominal circumference (AC) / thoracic circumference (TC) ratio:
Body mass index (BMI) represents body weight (gm) / length2 (cm2), this calculation could be utilized as an indicator for obesity where the value of cutoff of obesity BMI is exceeding 0.68 gm/cm229. To estimate AC/TC ratio, we did a division for AC by TC which is considered an indicator of the development of visceral obesity29.
Assessment of hemodynamic biomarkers
Hemodynamic parameters including systolic, diastolic, heart rate, and mean arterial blood pressure,) were computed using the Recorder (Non-Invasive Blood Pressure) using rat tail-cuff protocol (Kent Scientific Corporation, Connecticut, Torrington, USA)30.
Echocardiographic assessment
After 2 weeks(after fasting for 12hrs), the anesthesia was carried out for animals via injection of urethane intraperitoneally(1200mg/kg)31.Following an-anesthetizing animals, every rat was shaved with precautions from the chest wall, and then rats were fastened in a supine position with stretching front legs. Following that, ultrasound gel was added to the pericardium.
Echocardiography in the transthoracic cavity was performed using a 7.5MHz transducer and a GE ultrasonography. Images were taken from the heart in two-dimensional (2-D) mode. The M-mode line was put in a perpendicular way to the interventricular septum, then gointo the structures of the Left Ventricle (LV), at the level of the chordae tendinea, below the Mitral valve, and images (M-mode)were caught32.
These biomarkers were computed: Left Ventricular End Systolic Diameter (LVESD) and Ventricular End Diastolic Diameter (LVEDD)according to33.
Blood collection
Collection of blood samples was carried out (at the end of the experiment) after overnight fasting and calculation of blood pressure, then, hematological samples were collected from the orbital sinus vein of each rat after ether inhalation34 for measuring serum Biochemical parameters.
Measurement of serum biochemical indices
Serum glucose level
The level of serum glucose was estimated by using glucose enzymatic (GOD-PAP)-liquizyme Kits (Biotechnology, Egypt), according to35.
Measurement of serum insulin level
The level of serum insulin was estimated via using rat insulin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kitBioSource Europe S.A.-Rue de l’Industrie, 4-A- 1300 Nivelles-Belgium according to36.
For estimating of homeostasis model for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR): This equation was applied; [insulin (μU/mL) x glucose (mg/dl) /405]37.
Assessment of serum total cholesterol (TC) level
The TC level was measured following35using rat cholesterol enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, (BioSource Europe S.A.-Rue de l’Industrie, 8-B- 1400 Nivelles-Belgium).
Measurement of triglycerides (TG) level in serum
The TG level was estimated following rat triglycerides enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, (BioSource Europe S.A.-Rue de l’Industrie, 8-C- 1150 NivellesBelgium according to38.
Measurement of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in serum
The HDL level was estimatedusing a rat HDLcholesterol enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, (BioSource Europe S.A.-Rue de l’Industrie, 8-A- 1340 Nivelles-Belgium)
Measurement of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in serum
The level of LDL was measured depending on the39 method. The LDL was computed as follows: LDL=TC-HDL-TG\5.
Serum very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) levels: VLDL was estimated as follows: (VLDL= TG\5. 9) according to35.
Atherogenic indices
The atherogenic indices were computed as recorded by40.
Cardiac risk ratio = Total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol.
Atherogenic index of plasma = log (Triglyceride/HDL cholesterol
Atherogenic coefficient = (Total cholesterol - HDL cholesterol) / HDL cholesterol.
Measurement of serum C-reactive protein (CRP)
The CRP was estimated by using rat Immuno-enzymometric assay kits, (MonobindInc Lake Forest, Ca 92630, USA), as early recorded by41.
Measurement of serum creatine phosphokinase muscle/brain (CPK-MB):
The CPK-MB level was calculated by using a commercial kit (CPK-MB Kit, Ultra Group, Egypt) following the protocol of42.
Measurement of serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI)
The cTnIwas estimated by using a commercial kit (Catalog Number SE120134 collected from Sigma-Aldrich Co.) as previously documented by43.
E.Macro-morphological,Macro-morphometric, and Histopathologicalpictures: Following the collecting of hematological samples, fixation of animals was performed ventrodorsally then by using a sterile scissor, their thoracic cavities were opened asepticallyto revealthe contents. The sternum was dissected to explore the heart and surrounding pericardial fat from the surrounding lungs and the heart was removed for macro-morphological and macro-morphometrical studies.The pericardial fat in all groups was dissected and their mass was weighed using electrical balance, andthen used for quantitative statistical analysis.
Heart weights are obtained for testing the progress of cardiac hypertrophy. Then the whole body weight (WHW) / body weight (BW ratio) was calculated according to44.
The cardiac samples were fixed using buffered neutral formalin (10%), then exposed to dehydration, and cleared in Xylene. Soft melted paraffin was used for infiltrating all specimens then soaked in hard paraffin. Paraffin sections were stained using Harris’s Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) stain as a standard staining method to reveal the histological picture, Crossmon’s trichrome stain (for muscle and collagen fibers)45.
Tissue preparation for immunohistochemistry and scoring:
The tissue sections were mounted on slides, and the xylene was used for deparaffinization, then, the sections were re-hydrated, and finally rinsed in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). The sections were soaked in 0.3% hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution. The sections were then washed in 10% normal rabbit serum to lessen the binding of immunoglobulins45. The sections were incubated with antisera containing the primary antibody:
-
1.
1-Anti-Bax antibody [E63] (ab32503) (1:250), Rabbit monoclonal [E63] to Bax, abcam
-
2.
2-Anti-Bcl-2 antibody (ab196495) (1:100), Rabbit polyclonal to Bcl-2, abcam
The sections were incubated at room temperature overnight. Excess reagent was thrown off and the slides were washed two times with P.B.S, 5 minutes each. Then, the sections were incubated with diluted biotinylated secondary antibody (1:500). The slides were incubated at room temperature for 30 minutes then were washed two times with P.B.S, 5 minutes each. The sections were kept in a humidified chamber then, incubated at horse radish peroxidase polymer (1:60 diluted by deionized water) for 30 min at room temperature. Diaminobenzidine (DAB) was utilized as chromogen and sections were exposed to incubation (2-4 min) at room temperature. Sections were cleaned, then counterstained with Mayer's hematoxylin, dehydrated, cleared, and then mounted in Canada balsam46. All the photomicrographs were taken by using by a high-resolution camera (Canon Powershot G10 14.7 MP Digital Camera with Digital Photo Professional software) attached via a vertical tube to a standard light microscope (Olympus BX 21) at the Department of Histology and Cytology, Zagazig University.
Scoring
Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and adipocyte scoring was quantified based on cell count per area (by using H and E stain). While collagen level scoring (by using Crossmon’strichrome stain in order to elevate the accuracy of collagen deposition scoring), and immunohistochemical scoring for the expression of Bax and Bcl2 (by using immune-stained sections) were measured based on staining percentage per area. The scoring system was assessed by examining six slides per each group from the various four groups at 100x magnification then the average scores were calculated. Such system assessed each parameter independently and recorded a score of 0–3. Each sample was taken with a histological score using Abramov’s histological scoring system (Table 1)47.
Determination of Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA according to48
Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA Gene Expression Detected by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
The myocardium tissues were rinsed in liquid nitrogen, and immersed and stored in -80°C refrigerator for RNA extraction. Total RNA was isolated from frozen myocardium tissue usingTRNzol RNA Reagent Kit (TIANGEN, Beijing, China) according to manufacture protocol.Purified RNA sample were stored at –80°C. The purity and integrity of total RNA were monitored by spectrophotometer, and electrophoresis was carried out on a denaturing formaldehyde agarose gel and stained with ethidium bromide.300 ng mRNA was reversely transcripted to single-stranded cDNA using Invitrogen M-MLV cDNA kit according to manufacture protocol.
The 2 × Taq PCR Green Mix kit and specific primers for Bcl-2 , Bax and b-actin (control) were utilized for the PCR reaction assayThe initial denaturation step was at 95°C followed by 33 cycles for bcl-2 and 29 cycles for bax for 30 s, annealing for 30 s at 55°C for bcl-2 and 60°C bax, and extension for 30°C seconds at 37°C. The PCR products were electrophoresed on a 2% agarose gel.The photographed gel was analyzed using the gel document system (gel pro version 0.3)software Media Cybermetica USA.The results were expressed as a ratio of target mRNA/b-actin mRNA an external control for each sample.
The oligonucleotide Sequences were as follows:
Bcl2 gene: Forward: 5’GAG TACCTG AAC CGG CAT CT -3’ and Reverse: 5’GAAATC AAA CAG AGG TCG CA -3’.
Bax gene: Forward: 5’TTG CTA CAG GGT TTC ATC CA -3’ and Reverse: 5’GAG TAC CTG AACCGG CAT CT -3’.
Statistical analysis
The expression of the gathered data in the current perspectives represented as mean ± SD for quantitative variables and analyzed statistically via using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program (version 24) (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA. One-way ANOVA was used for comparing the mean values of more than two groups. The test was counted as significant at p-values <0.05. The resulting smaller p-value indicated a higher significant value.
For histological scoring, Kruskal-Wallis Test was conducted to examine the differences in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy scoring, adipocytes scoring, collagen level scoring, and immunohistochemical scoring for the expression of Bax and Bcl2 according to the types of groups or treatments taken. Mann Whitney test was performed as a pairwise comparison following a significant Kruskal-Wallis test. P < 0.05 is considered a statistical difference. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 25 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp) and Graph Pad Prism 8.0.2 (GraphPad Software, Inc).
Ethical approval
All the experimental procedures were conducted in accordance with the guiding principles for the care and use of research animals and were approved by the Institutional Research Board of Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University (ZU-IACUC/3/F/249/2022). All animal experiments were complied with the ARRIVE guidelines and were carried out in accordance with the U.K. Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986 and associated guidelines, EU Directive 2010/63/EU for animal experiments.
Plant guidelines statement
Experimental research and field studies on plants (chia seeds), including the collection of plant material, are complied with Zagazig University guidelines and legislation. The authors comply with the IUCN Policy Statement on Research Involving Species at Risk of Extinction and the Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Results
Macro-morphological results and anthropometric measures
In the gross anatomical images of hearts, in groups I and group II , amount of pericardial fat surrounding heart are normal (Fig. 1a). Groups (III, IV) accumulated more pericardial fat relative to control rats (groups I, II) (Fig. 1b). However, the amount of fats decreased with chia ingestion (group IV) (Fig. 1c). The HFD increased pericardial fat in group III when compared to groups I and II. While consumption of chia seeds in group IV significantly reversed that effect when compared to group III (Fig. 1d)
A photo macrograph of rat showing normal amount of pericardial fat surrounding heart representing groups I and II (a), high amount of pericardial fat surrounding heart representing high fat diet as group III (b) , enhancement and decreases amount of pericardial fat representing high fat diet treated with chia as group IV (c) and and Whiskers plot graph shows pericardial fat mass (gm) in all groups, a= vs group I; b= vs group II; c= vs group III; *=significant (P<0.001) and #= significant (P<0.01) (n=10) (d).
To assess the development of obesity, we calculated BMI and AC/TC ratio, groups III and IV showed a significant elevation in AC/TC ratio and BMI (p < 0.001) compared to groups I and II. However, these ratios were significantly (p < 0.001) lower in group IV compared to group III (Fig. 2a-c).
Whiskers plot graphs show anthropometric measures in all groups. (A) final body weight (gm), (B) abdominal circumference (AC)/ Thoracic circumference (TC) ratio, (C) heart weight ingrams.a= vs group I; b= vsgroupII; c= vs group III; *=significant (P<0.001), (n=10).
There was a clear elevation in heart weight in group III in comparison to groups I, II, and IV (p<0.001). Additionally, the ratio between heart and body weights (H/ BW %) demonstrated no significant difference among groups I, II, III, and IV(0.48±0.01, 0.48±0.0, 050±0.01, and 0.49±0.09 respectively.
Serum biochemical analysis
As an indication of insulin resistance, the fasting blood glucose and insulin concentrations and HOMA were measured which were noticeably elevated in groups III and VI than in groups I and II (p < 0.001).However; blood glucose and HOMA showed lower levels in group IV (p < 0.05)related to group III (Fig. 3a–c).
Whiskers plot graphs show glucometabolic parameters in all groups. (A) serum glucose (gm/dl), (B) serum insulin (μIU/ml), (C) homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA). a= vs group I; b= vsgroupII; c= vs group III; $=significant (P<0.05); #=significant (P<0.01); *=significant (P<0.001), (n=10).
Regarding biochemical parameters supporting the development of metabolic syndrome, serum TC, LDL,TG, and VLDL levels were estimated and they reported significantly increased values in group III than the group I and group II (p < 0.001), but in group IV the recorded indices were significantly lessened (p < 0.001) when compared with group III. Meanwhile, we reported a significant (P<0.001) reduction in serum HDL in group III compared to groups I and II (Figs. 4, 5a–c). There was a significant increase (p < 0.001) in Atherogenic indices in group III and group IV compared to group I and group II. Group IV exhibited a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the same indices compared to group III (Fig. 4c).
Whiskers plot graphs show serum lipid profile in all groups. (A) serum total cholesterol (gm/dl), (B) serum high density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C) (gm/dl), (C) Atherogenic index (D) cardiac index. a= vs group I; b= vsgroupII; c= vs group III; $=significant (P<0.05); #=significant (P<0.01); *=significant (P<0.001), (n=10).
Whiskers plot graphs show serum lipid profile in all groups. (A) serum triglyceride (gm/dl), (B) serum low density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-C) (gm/dl), (C) Serum very low density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-C) (gm/dl). a= vs group I; b= vsgroupII; c= vs group III; *=significant (P<0.001), (n=10).
Regarding tissue inflammation as a result of obesity, There was a significant elevation (P<0.001) in serum CRP in group III and group VI compared to group I and group II, chia seeds ingestion significantly (P<0.01) reduced these levels in group IV compared to the group III (Fig. 6a, b, c).
Whiskers plot graphs show serum cardiac inflammatory markers in all groups. (A) Serum C-reacive protein (CRP) (μg/dl), (B) serum low creatine phosphokinase muscle/brain (CPK-MB) (U/L), (C) of Serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) (pg/ml). a= vs group I; b= vs group II; c= vs group III; *=significant (P<0.001); #=significant (P<0.01), (n=10).
As an indication of cardiac damage, there was a significant (p < 0.001) increase in CK-MB and cTnI in group III and group VI in comparison with group I and group II. Chia ingestion significantly (P<0.001) reduced these levels in group IV compared to group III (Fig. 6a–c).
Hemodynamic and echocardiography measures
As a metabolic syndrome associated with hypertension, MAP was evaluated and it was recorded a significant (p < 0.001) elevation in group III compared to group I and group II, and these levels were significantly (p < 0.01) reduced in group IV.
For assessmentof the effect of obesity on diastolic functions, the present study clarified that LVESD & LVEDD were significantly augmented in group III (p<0.001) when compared to group I and group II.On the other side, these indices were noticeablyimproved by chia ingestion in group IV (Fig. 7a–c).
Whiskers plot graphs show Hemodynamic and Echocardiography measures in all groups. (A) Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) (mmHg), (B) Left Ventricular End Systolic Diameter (LVESD) (mm), (C) Left Ventricular End Systolic Diameter (LVEDD) (mm). a= vs group I; b= vsgroupII; c= vs group III; $=significant (P<0.05); #=significant (P<0.01); *=significant (P<0.001), (n=10).
Histopathological examination of the heart tissues
The examination of left ventricle sections using a Light microscope revealed these findings: in group I, a highly organized myocardium structure where cardiac muscle fibers appeared cylindrical in shape and extensively branched. They were shorter and usually contained only one nucleus, which was located in the central region of the cell and acidophilic cytoplasm (Fig. 8A).
Photomicrograph of the heart (A) Group I showing a highly organized myocardium "arrow" with blood vessel "winged arrow". (B) Group II showing normal myocardial architecture "arrow" with blood vessel "winged arrow". (C) group III displaying structural disorganization, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy "zigzag arrows", slightly degenerated of cardiac myocytes with paler cytoplasm "curved arrow" and pale cross sectional cardiac muscle fibers "arrow head", also showing slightly congested vessels "arrow" (D) In group IV, the cardiac muscle showed normal histological structure with branching cardiac muscle bundles "arrow" with blood vessel "winged arrow". Stain: H and E.
In group II which fed on a chia diet, the same phenotype was observed and myocardial architecture was normal where cardiac muscle fibers had acidophilic cytoplasm and centrally located nucleus with little collagen fiber between the cardiac muscle bundles (Fig. 8B).
Ingroup III which received a high-fat diet, the high-fat diet induced structural disorganization, accompanied by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy distinguished by a widening in cell surface area, and slightly degenerated cardiac myocytes with paler cytoplasm. There were slightly congested blood capillaries between muscle fibers (Fig. 8C).
In group IV (given a high-fat diet with chia seeds supplementation), the cardiac muscle showed normal histological structure with branched cardiac muscle bundles, acidophilic cytoplasm, single nuclei, and little or no thickening of the matrix around the cardiomyocytesnoticed (Fig. 8D).
By staining the different groups by crossmon's trichrome stain it revealed that group I (Fig. 9A) and group II (Fig. 9B) exhibited minute amounts of collagen fibers around the level of blood vessels. However, in group III, crossmon's trichrome staining displayed interstitial myocardial deposition of collagen fibers and distinct perivascular fibrosis (Fig. 9C). In group IV (Fig. 9D), the collagen fibers were markedly reduced in quantity.
Photomicrograph of the heart (A) group I (B) group II exhibited minute amount of collagen fibers around the blood vessels "curved arrow" (C) group III displayed distinct perivascular fibrosis "curved arrow" also showing some adipocytes "arrow" (D) In group IV, the collagen fibers were markedly reduced in quantity "curved arrow". Stain: crossmon'strichrome stain.
In group III, immunohistochemical analysis exhibited that Bcl-2 expression in heart muscle was noticeably lower, but Bax expression was notably elevated. In group IV which was fed on HFD with chia seeds supplementation, Bcl-2 expression was elevated and Bax expression was decreased markedly in the protected group in comparison to groups I and III (Figs. 10 and 11).
Photomicrograph of the heart immunostainedagainst Bax antibody (A) group I showing little reaction "arrow" (B) group II showing mild reaction "arrow" (C) group III showing significantly higher reaction "arrows" (D) group IV showing mild reaction "arrow".
Photomicrograph of the heart immunostainedagainst Bcl-2 antibody (A) group I and (B) group II showing significant reaction "arrow" (C) group III showing mild reaction "arrow" (D) In group IV showing significantly higher reaction "arrow".
Comparison of the histological scoring of the above-mentioned parameters among the different groups by Kruskal-Wallis Test P < 0.05:
Kruskal-Wallis Test results showed that group III revealed a significant difference compared with groups I, II, and IV in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, adipocyte count, collagen level, immunohistochemical expression of Bax scoring, and immunohistochemical expression of Bcl2 scoring. Meanwhile, there was a non-significant difference between groups I and II. Group IV showed a non-significant difference compared to group I in all parameters except the immunohistochemical expression of Bax scoring which showed a highly significance difference. In addition, group IV exhibited a non-significant difference compared to group II in all parameters (Table 2, Fig. 12).
(A) Showing a comparison of the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy scoring among the different groups of rats. A minimum of 6 slides were assessed for each group. (B) Showing a comparison of the adipocytes count scoring among the different groups of rats. A minimum of 6 slides were assessed for each group. (C) Showinga comparison of the collagen level scoring among the different groups of rats. A minimum of 6 slides were assessed for each group. (D) Showing a comparison of the immunohistochemical expression of Bax scoring among the different groups of rats. A minimum of 6 slides were assessed for each group. (E) showing a comparison of the immunohistochemical expression of Bcl2 scoring among the different groups of rats. A minimum of 6 slides were assessed for each group. a= vs group I; b= vs group II; c= vs group III; *=significant difference (P<0.05); $= highly significant difference (P<0.01).
Findings of Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA
HFD had been accompanied by clearly reduced myocardial anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression, nd increased pro-apoptotic Bax-expression in comparison to group I (P < 0.001). Additionally, the myocardial Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in group III compared with group I. However, chia seed ingestion (group IV) revealed a significant (P < 0.001) modulation in these results (Fig. 13).
Whiskers plot graphs show cardiac injury markers mRNA expression in all groups. (A) Cardiac BAX mRNA expression, (B) Cardiac BCL2 mRNA expression, (C) Cardiac BAX/BCL2 mRNA expression ratio. a= vs group I; b= vs group II; c= vs group III; $=significant (P<0.05); #=significant (P<0.01); *=significant (P<0.001), (n=10).
Discussion
Even though the etiology of obesity varies with environmental, genetic, and lifestyle causes, it is greatly linked to co-morbidities like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, hypertension, and sleep disorders49,50,51,52.The link between heart disease and obesity is multifaceted including direct and indirect mechanisms controlled by obesity-associated co-morbidities53,54.Chia seeds have an augmented concentration of dietary fibers; hence, it has been utilized for the loss of weight and improves lipid picture and blood glucose55. They are rich in proteins, fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants that are healthy for heart56. Therefore, the goal of the present report was to assess the cardiovascular protective influence of chia seed supplementation in high-fat diet-induced obesity.
To assess obesity development and its risk factors, researchers use animal models for diet-induced obesity, since these models imitate human obesity compared to genetic models57.
BMI is used for estimating the obesity extension; meanwhile, it reveals no information on the distribution of fat, which is highly essential in cardiovascular risk58. Therefore, other clinical assessments (e.g., abdominal circumference) have been used with the goal of identifying central obesity4. According to our present findings, we report a clear elevation in BMI and AC/TC ratio in HF-supplemented diet. Also, ingestion of a high-fat diet resulted in the following consequences including elevated levels of fasting serum glucose, increased HOMA-IR index, in addition to elevated fasting levels of serum TG, LDL, TC, VLDL, cardiac risk ratio, atherogenic coefficient, and the atherogenic index, plus a clear reduction in HDL levels. It is opined that rats consuming a high-fat diet are more vulnerable to diabetes and accordingly have insulin resistance. Previous studies verified our findings and recorded that the increased fasting blood glucose level and higher HOMA-IR index, strongly suggest the occurrence of metabolic syndrome59,60. Moreover,61 mentioned that feeding an enriched diet in high-fat for a period of 10 weeks augmented the level of plasma glucose. In the current study, the elevation of TG could be attributed to increased storage of energy as documented by62. Also, the elevated level of cholesterol and the reduction in the level of HDL cholesterol resulted in elevated serum atherogenic coefficient as confirmed by40. In line with an earlier study63, reported that a high-fat diet produced higher levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL. The main attention is devoted to the ingestion of chia seeds (15%) in group IV which resulted in a clear reduction in BMI and AC/TC ratios and a clear reduction in fasting serum levels of TC, glucose, TG, VLDL, LDL, and HOMA-IR, Cardiac risk ratio, atherogenic coefficient and atherogenic index besides an increase in HDL levels. Such ameliorations could be dominated by the richness of chia seeds in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that could modulate the alterations induced by consuming a high-fat diet.
These outcomes were supported by15,56,64who reported that chia seeds are a rich source of dietary fiber that promotes weight loss, improves lipid profile and blood glucose, and reduces blood pressure15,56,64. These seeds are rich in 34–36% fibers, which is considered higher compared to other cereals or dried fruit65,66, and fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA),with a higher ratio67, which are useful for controlling metabolic diseases68.
In concordance with a previous study69, revealed noticeable weight loss by involving chia seeds in bread with a decrease of 500 Kcal daily from the normal diet70 documented a significant body weight loss in a group of people eating a hypocaloric diet of a reduction (25% Kcal)from the daily energy need and he attributed this reduction in body weight to chia seed intervention. However71, revealed the significance of chia seeds in controlling weight gain. Also72 revealed that chia could enhance the reduction of waist circumference. Concurrently73, evaluated glycemic responses of chia seeds via lowering blood glucose concentration in healthy individuals. Moreover, other studies were conducted on Wistar rats that received chia seeds and oil and demonstrated a potential impact of lessening TG and elevating HDL74,75. Likewise18,76, reported that uptake of chia seed in humans induced a significant decline in TG and LDL, while levels of HDL augmented without any side impacts.
Despite the significant reduction in metabolic parameters in group IV, its insulin level, and atherogenic index were still higher than those of control groups, this can be explained by the supplementation of chia seeds was not accompanied by modification of the ingested diet or life style all through the study duration, moreover, these data might be attributed to the dose of chia seeds ingested or the study duration
Ingestion of HFD in the present report induced a noticeable increase in MAP. However, chia intake treatment modulated this alteration. The development of obesity-induced hypertension could be returned to over-activation of the sympathetic nervous system producing hypertension in obese humans and animal models as reported by77,78,79 assumed the mechanism of action of chia seeds which may involve the presence of peptides acting as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and thus improve the blood pressure as reported in type 2 diabetes patients. The bioactive peptides with low molecular weight generated from the hydrolysis of chia seed proteins can suppress the activity of ACE80.
Previous studies addressed the beneficial components in chia seeds that exert their potential effect on the physiological status and on cardiac health. They are rich in high amounts of insoluble fiber which has been reported to enhance BP more than soluble fiber74,81. The components of chia seeds are helpful in cardiovascular disease by lessening blood pressure, cholesterol, aggregation of platelet, and oxidation25. Chia is rich in a mixture of essential fatty acids, in a high omega-3 to omega-6 ratio20,82, which is associated with lower BP and cardiovascular disease risk83,84, and the mineral content for a 100 g carries 335 mg, 407 mg, and 631 mg of Mg, K, and Ca respectively46. Both K85 and Mg86 are opined as strong inhibitors of contraction of vascular smooth muscle and as vasodilators that can lessen BP; Ca is verified to enhance lower BP in hypertensive patients87,88.
Echocardiography examination to evaluate cardiac function rats showed a clear increase in LVESD and LVESD in comparison to group I. Our outcomes were in line with previous observations that found the long-term receiving of HFD caused cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction of LV in rodents89,90.
Obesity is distinguished by low-grade chronic inflammation with over-expression of pro-inflammatory adipokines in adipose tissue91,92. The increased circulatory levels of these inflammatory mediators have been associated with hepatocyte stimulation to produce CRP92. In addition, elevated levels of CRP are predictive in some cardiac diseases like unstable angina and myocardial infarction93,94. Also, high CRP levels are associated with increased coronary heart disease and overall mortality as reported by95.
Similarly96, revealed that Wistar rats that received high carbohydrate and high-fat diets had a CRP amount doubled in comparison to the rats that received the same diet and enriched in 5% chia seeds. Further works are recommended to elucidate the mechanism of action of chia seeds with considering inflammatory status. On the other side, these data could indicate an anti-inflammatory condition related to the elevated alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) contents detected in chia seeds96.
Our results demonstrated that ingestion of HFD caused significantly elevated CK-MB as well as increased troponin-T levels. However, chia seeds intake significantly ameliorated these levels. These findings were supported by97 who mentioned that the release of such markers indicated impaired membrane permeability and cell death in many tissues of the body including the heart. Few studies showed the link between obesity and the occurrence of myocardial damage, including coronary artery diseases. Another study supported our findings and suggested that obesity is in positive association with subclinical myocardial injury, following the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHASNES) III98.
The negative effect of HFD on the heart could be returned to the occurrence of several mechanisms including oxidative damage and inflammation generated by mitochondria dysfunction, cardiac steatosis, altered adipokinespicture, and hyperglycemia. All are the major events that can cause cardiac failure as reported by99,100. However, the inflammatory cytokines derived from adipose tissue and those generated locally from the circulating macrophages and monocytes, in response to heart and oxidative damage, promote heart inflammation. Consequently, ROS can damage the cardiac cells and produce hypertrophy, inflammation, and apoptosis by stimulating various damaging pathways (i.e. NF-κB,MAPKs, TGF-β1/Smad2/3, JNK,ASK1, and ANGII)101,102.
Previous reports recorded that measures of obesity, such as body mass index, could be accompanied by higher cTn levels in the general public103,104. Another study reported significantly elevated serum levels of Troponin-1 and CK-MB in rats that received HFD105.
On the tissue level, the hearts in rats fed a standard control diet showed normal histological structure and were well vascularized. Similar results were documented by106 report. Also, we reported the occurrence of structural disorganization, slight degeneration, and paler cytoplasm in the supplemented group in high-fat. Similarly107, reported that a high-fat diet caused collagen deposits in spaces between cells, cardiomyocytes disorganization, adipose tissue deposits under the pericardium, around vessels, and between cardiomyocytes, interstitial edema, associated with the accumulation of infiltrating cells suggesting cardiomyopathy. The observed cardiac hypertrophy could be induced as a primary step in the sequence of adaptive responses of the cardiac tissue to stress induced by a high number of pathological and physiological conditionsas reported by108. Supplementation in chia seeds regenerated the tissue and markedly enhanced these alterations. The same findings were recorded by106 in rats.
Based on the findings of Bcl-2 expression, the current study revealed significantly lower expression in heart muscle in the HFD group, meanwhile, Bax expression was significantly higher, suggesting activation of apoptotic processes. It is suggested that myocardial apoptosis can commence by ingestion of a high-fat diet and accumulation of fatty acid metabolites, myocardial, and activation of inflammatory processes, and cardiac insufficiency109. Also, in line with another report, Bax can antagonizeBcl-2 function and control the Bcl-2 ability for prolonging the survival of cells as mentioned by110. On the other side, dietary intervention in chia seeds produced significant Bcl-2 expression reflecting the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Apoptosis is seldom in normal myocardium; meanwhile, it can be activated in both chronic and acute heart pathological conditions111. Apoptotic signaling produces apoptosis, via three complex pathways including the mitochondrial-mediated pathway, which included Bcl-2 associated X (Bax) protein, B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family, and the Bcl-2,which is opined to be essential in controlling apoptosis112,113. The ability of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 to suppress the activity of proapoptotic Bax was dependent on the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 and on the expression of protein levels48. The ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 expression represents a cell death switch, which determines the survival or death of cells in response to an apoptotic stimulus; an increased in this ratio decreases in the cellular resistance to apoptotic stimuli, leading to increased death of cells114. Here in, high fat diet increased the pro-apoptotic Bax-to-Bcl-2 gene ratio suggesting occurrence of apoptosis in groups that received high-fat diets, however, the dietary uptake of chia seeds (15%) attenuate this alteration where it elevates the cell resistance via its antioxidant components.
Outcomes of this report reveal that HFD-induced obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and chia seeds (15% of diet weight) could be a good candidate for cardiovascular system protection.
Data availability
All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article and its supplementary information files.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank to Dr.Ghada Shalaby, Cardiology Department, Zagazig University for performing the Echocardiography. We thank Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number (PNURSP2024R402), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for funding this research. The authors are thankful to the Deanship of Scientific Research at University of Bisha for supporting this work through the Fast-Track Research Support Program. We also thank Dr. Abdel-rahman A. Sobeih, Animal Wealth Development Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt, for performing statistical analysis for histopathology scoring.
Funding
This research was funded by Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number (PNURSP2024R402), Princess NourahbintAbdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for funding this research.
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Conceptualization, M.A., E.M.F., N.I.A.G., H.A.E., M.H.A., M.M.A., K.M.A.,H.H.M; methodology, M.A., E.M.F., N.I.A.G., H.A.E., H.H.M; software, M.A., E.M.F., N.I.A.G., H.A.E., H.H.M; validation, M.A., E.M.F., N.I.A.G., H.A.E., H.H.M; formal analysis, M.A., E.M.F., N.I.A.G., H.A.E., H.H.M; investigation, M.A., E.M.F., N.I.A.G., H.A.E., H.H.M; resources, M.H.A., M.M.A., K.M.A.; data curation, M.A., E.M.F., N.I.A.G., H.A.E., H.H.M; writing—original draft preparation, M.A., E.M.F., N.I.A.G., H.A.E., H.H.M; writing—review and editing, M.A., E.M.F., N.I.A.G., H.A.E., H.H.M; visualization, M.A., E.M.F., N.I.A.G., H.A.E., H.H.M; supervision, M.A., E.M.F., N.I.A.G., H.A.E., H.H.M; All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
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Aref, M., FaragAllah, E.M., Goda, N.I.A. et al. Chia seeds ameliorate cardiac disease risk factors via alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation in rats fed high-fat diet. Sci Rep 14, 2940 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-41370-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-41370-4
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