Effect of Anti-oxidant Treatment on Hyperhomocysteinemia- induced Myocardial Fibrosis and Diastolic Dysfunction

Background Recent studies demonstrate that hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for heart failure. Oxidant stress is a major mediator of the pathogenic effects of hyperhomocysteinemia. Methods We utilized a rat model of diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemia to examine whether treatment with an anti-oxidant vitamin (C&E) combination will prevent hyperhomocysteinemia-induced myocardial fibrosis. Results Dietary anti-oxidant therapy attenuated hyperhomocysteinemia-induced increases in myocardial oxidant stress and myocardial fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction. Conclusions Hyperhomocysteinemia acts via oxidant stress to promote myocardial fibrosis and dysfunction. Dietary anti-oxidant therapy could be an important preventive and therapeutic strategy in diastolic heart failure.