Effects of vitamin B6 on cardiometabolic biomarkers, cardiac oxidative stress and enzymes activities, and cardiovascular histomorphometric parameters in hyperhomocysteinemic rats

Hyperhomocysteinemia can induce significant alterations in the cardiovascular system, and vitamin B6 is one of the primary cofactors of enzymes involved in homocysteine metabolism. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of vitamin B6 in hyperhomocysteinemic conditions on cardiovascular biomarkers in sera, oxidative stress parameters, metabolic enzymes activities, and histological changes in rat heart and aorta. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (<i>n</i> = 10, per group): C: 0.9% NaCl 0.2 mL/day s.c. + 0.9% NaCl 0.5 mL i.p; H: D, L-homocysteine 0.45 mmol/g b.w./day s.c. + 0.9% NaCl 0.5 mL i.p; CB6: 0.9% NaCl 0.2 mL/day s.c. + vitamin B6 7 mg/kg b.w. i.p.; and H-B6: D, L-homocysteine 0.45 mmol/g b.w./day s.c. + vitamin B6 7 mg/kg b.w. i.p. Substances were applied s.c. for 2 weeks and i.p for 4 weeks. Level of homocysteine, activity of superoxide dismutase, concentration of malondialdehyde, and right ventricle wall thickness were significantly lower in HB6 group compared to H group, while lactate dehydrogenase activity was higher in HB6 group compared to all other groups. These findings suggest the potential beneficial effects of vitamin B6 supplementation on cardiovascular system in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia.