Effects of isolated vitamin B6 supplementation on oxidative stress and heart function parameters in experimental hyperhomocysteinemia

Introduction : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of isolated vitamin B 6 (VB 6 ) supplementation on experimental hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhe) induced by homocysteine thiolactone (HcyT). Methods: Fifteen male Wistar rats were divided into three groups according to their treatment. Animals received water and food ad libitum and an intragastric probe was used to administer water for 60 days (groups: CB 6, HcyT, and HB 6 ). On the 30th day of treatment, two groups were supplemented with VB 6 in the drinking water (groups: CB 6 and HB 6 ). After 60 days of treatment, homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine, and hydrogen peroxide concentration, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) immunocontent, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and GST activities were measured. Results: The HcyT group showed an increase in Hcy concentration (62%) in relation to the CB 6 group. Additionally, GST immunocontent was enhanced (51%) in the HB 6 group compared to the HcyT group. Also, SOD activity was lower (17%) in the HB 6 group compared to the CB 6 group, and CAT activity was higher in the HcyT group (53%) compared to the CB 6 group. Ejection fraction (EF) was improved in the HB 6 group compared to the HcyT group. E/A ratio was enhanced in the HB 6 group compared to the CB 6 group. Correlations were found between CAT activity with myocardial performance index (MPI) (r = 0.71; P = 0.06) and E/A ratio (r = 0.6; P = 0.01), and between EF and GST activity (r = 0.62; P = 0.02). Conclusions: These findings indicate that isolated VB 6 supplementation may lead to the reduction of Hcy concentration and promotes additional benefits to oxidative stress and heart function parameters. Keywords: Homocysteine; oxidative stress; vitamin B 6.