Earthworm Extract Exhibits Therapeutic Effect Against Epinephrine-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats

Tahani Younis Omar, Mennatallah H. Abdelaziz, Marwa Ahmed Abdelfattah, Manar Ahmed Bahaaeldine, Heba Allah Abdelnabi Eid Mohamed, Esraa Nasser Mohammed, Walaa Mohamed Fathi, Aya Ramadan Rashed, Ayman Saber Mohamed, Sohair R. Fahmy and May Mohamed Elbatran

Background and Objective: Earthworms are oligochaete soil macroinvertebrates that play an essential role in soil fertility and production throughout time. In the present study, an attempt has been made to assess the therapeutic effects of earthworm extract against myocardial infarction induced by epinephrine injection in rats. Materials and Methods: Myocardial infarction was induced in rats by injecting 2 mg kg^–1 epinephrine subcutaneously daily for 2 days. The rats were split into three groups: Control, MI and MI were given earthworm extract (60 mg kg^–1, orally) for 7 days. Results: The treatment with earthworm extract restored ST-segment near normal, improved cardiac troponin T, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total proteins, albumin, creatinine, uric acid, urea, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase. According to the histological study, the earthworm extract-treated group exhibited remarkable improvement in the studied heart muscles, liver and kidneys in various areas. Conclusion: Earthworm extract possessed a therapeutic effect against epinephrine-induced myocardial infarction. Earthworm extract improves cardiac, liver and renal biomarkers and restores the EEG pattern to its original state. The therapeutic effect of earthworm extract results from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

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