Protection against myocardial infarction

This study investigated the protective effect of betaine on changes in the levels of membrane-bound ATPase activities, lipid peroxidation, sulfhydryl activities, and mineral status in isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats, an animal model of myocardial infarction in man. Oral administration of betaine (250 mg/kg body weight/day for a period of 30 days) significantly (p < 0.05) improved the following isoprenaline-induced abnormalities:

- maintained levels of sodium, potassium, and calcium in plasma and heart tissue
- protected membrane-bound ATPase in the heart tissue
- preserved myocardial sulfhydryl activities
- counteracted lipid peroxidation

Ganesan et al (2009). "Protective effect of betaine on changes in the levels of membrane-bound ATPase activity and mineral status in experimentally induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats." Biological Trace Element Research. April 8 Epub