Aronia Melanocarpa Fruit Juice Ameliorates the Histopathological Changes in the Myocardium and Coronary Arteries in a Rat Metabolic Syndrome Model

Abstract

Abstract Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice (AMFJ) on the histology of the myocardium and coronary arteries in metabolic syndrome (MS) rats. Materials and methods: The animals were divided into five groups: control, MS, MS+AMFJ2.5, MS+AMFJ5, and MS+AMFJ10. For 10 weeks, the control group received regular rat chaw and tap water, the other groups – high-fat, high-fructose diet and 10% fructose in their drinking water to induce MS. Throughout the experiment, rats received a daily oral treatment: the control and MS groups – 10 ml/kg distilled water, the other groups – AMFJ at doses of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 ml/kg, respectively. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and tissue samples from the myocardium and coronary arteries were evaluated histologically. Results: In the MS group, degeneration of the cardiomyocytes and endothelial cell necrosis were detected. In the MS+AMFJ2.5 group, cardiomyocyte damage was decreased, the endothelium was damaged and the preserved cells were activated. In MS+AMFJ5 and MS+AMFJ10 groups, the myocardium and the endothelial layer of the coronary arteries were preserved. Conclusion: These results indicate cardio- and vasoprotective effects of the juice.