Sub Chronic effect of High fat consumption on heart rate variability and Nitric oxide (NO) in experimental rats: Protective role of Terminalia arjuna

Background: In the present study Albino wister rats displayed with increase in body weight, sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic function following a high fat consumption for a sub chronic period. Possible alterations of cardiac autonomic functions and molecular behaviour of nitric oxide were observed in the presence of ethanolic extract of Terminalia arjuna (ETA). Objectives: The study was aimed to find out impact of high fat diet on cardiac health in terms with HRV also through NO pathways alterations in experimental rats and to assess the cardio protective efficacy of Terminalia arjuna on hyperlipidemic rats. Methodology: Bark of Terminalia arjuna was extracted with 99% ethanol. Rats were grouped into four groups (n=6); Control as group 1 (20% fat); group 2 fed with (20% fat+ ETA 100 mg/kg/b w); group 3 fed with (30% fat) and group 4 fed with (30% fat + ETA 100mg/kg/b w). Body weight and percentage of body weight gain were calculated. Electrophysiological analysis(HRV and sympatho-vagal balance) were done. Biochemical assay was done to assess serum Nitric oxide levels(NO). ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression were done to analyze data. Results: Electrophysiological evaluation revealed altered sympatho-vagal balance in hyperlipidemic rats. Significant increase in sympathetic drive along with decrease in parasympathetic functions suggests cardiac autonomic dysfunction in rats fed with high fat. Subchronic supplementation of ethanolic extraction of Terminalia arjuna to hyperlipidemic rats showed significant beneficial effect on cardiac autonomic function. Significant negative correlation was observed between HRV and nitric oxide. Conclusion: Terminalia arjuna have exhibited its cardioprotective role in high fat fed rats by enhancing cardiac functions. Supplementation of ETA have shown important role in modulating autonomic control and in improving cardiovascular function. Probably polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids might have cardioprotective activity by rejuvenating action and free radical quenching actions.