Modulatory Effects of Natron on Biochemical Indices and Cardiac Muscle Gene Expression in Postpartum Albino Rats

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a major public health problem that causes significant morbidity, mortality and huge economic burden among peripartum women. The proposal that natron consumption during postpartum period is involved in the development of peripartum cardiomyopathy requires further scientific elucidation. The current research investigated the effects of natron administration on antioxidant status of cardiac muscles, serum cardiac troponins among postpartum albino rats. Postpartum rats were group into 4, each containing 5 rats. Colorimetric, sandwich microplate immunoenzymometric assay was used for troponins estimation. Real Time PCR was used for the gene expression studies. Antioxidants status was measured using enzymatic methods. Natron administration reduces oxidative stress at lower dose, while it induces oxidative stress at higher concentration. There was a significant increase (P<0.05) in MDA concentration in groups 3 and 4 and a decrease in group 2 compared with controls. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in GPX and SOD activity in groups 3 and 4 and an increase in group 2 compared with controls. There was significant increase (P<0.05) in CAT activity in all groups administered natron compared with controls. There was significant decrease(p˂0.05) in troponin I, C and T in groups administered natron compared with controls. Also natron administration up regulates cardiac troponins genes and STAT3 genes. The current study revealed that though natron played a protective role at a low concentration, it may cause oxidative stress in the cardiac muscles at higher doses. Thus, oxidative stress in cardiac muscles and modulation of cardiac muscle genes is likely the mechanism by which high natron intake causes Peripartum cardiomyopathy. Further research is recommended in humans to determine the safety of natron in postpartum period.