Cardioprotective effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum extract on rats fed on high fat high fructose diet

Background : As a result of the increased consumption of sugar-rich and fatty-products, and the increase in the preference for such products, metabolic disorders are becoming more common at a younger age. Hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance [IR] and inflammatory status induced by high fat high fructose diet [HFHFD] increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases [CVDs] which are the leading cause of death worldwide. Objective : This study is aiming to determine the effects of HFHFD on cardiovascular disease [CVD]-related parameters. Also, the possible protective and curative effects of cinnamon extract on cardiac diseases. Methodology : Fifty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: Group I: [control]. Group II rats were fed a diet with 45 kcal% fat and drink fructose 60% [HFHFD] for 8w. Group III: fed on HFHFD and pioglitazone [PGZ 20 mg/kg/b.wt]. Group IV: fed on HFHFD and cinnamon extract200mg/kg.b.w. Group V: fed on HFHFD and treated with combination of PGZ drug and cinnamon extract. At the end of the experiment, blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers were done. Heart tissues were used for Inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α] and interleukin 6 [IL-6], nuclear factor kappa [NF-κB], and cardiac enzymes beside histopathological examination. Results: HFHFD administration resulted signs of cardiomyopathy revealed by significant increase in blood glucose, serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment of IR [HOMA- IR] index with disturbed lipid profile. Also, significant increase in serum cardiac enzymes, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers were also noticed. PGZ and cinnamon extract treatment resulted in a significant decrease in glucose, insulin, and HOMA- IR index, amelioration of lipid profile, cardiac enzymes, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers. Conclusion : The current study revealed that cinnamon extract improves cardiomyopathy resulted from HFHFD administration possibly via hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative ways. It can be used as food supplement has cardioprotective role in patients with metabolic disorders