The effect of L-tryptophan on the heart in rabbits via chronic hypoxia

Aim: To evaluate the protective effect of tryptophan on an experimentally produced hypoxic myocardial injury via biochemical and pathological parameters. Materials and methods: A total of 26 rabbits were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 9) was only exposed to hypoxia.Group 2 (n = 10) was exposed to hypoxia and received L-tryptophan (200 mg/kg per day, orally for 5 days). Group 3 (n= 7) was the control group.Before the hypoxic injury and after the delivery of the medication, serum samples were taken for troponin-I, creatine kinase myocardial isoenzymes (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) analysis, and then the rabbits were sacrificed. Next,the myocardium samples were taken and the myocardial NO, MDA, SOD, and GSH-Px enzyme activity levels were studied histopathologically. Results: In group 1, Serum GSH-Px and SOD activities were decreased. Conversely, troponin-I, CK-MB, and LDH were elevated. Severe cardiac injury was observed histopathologically. In group 2, serum troponin-I and SOD values were increased. Mild cardiac injury was demonstrated histopathologically.When groups 1 and 2 were compared, tissue NO and MDA levels in group 1 were higher compared to group 2, but GSH-Px level was found decreased in group 1. Conclusion: Our findings support that there is a clear effect of the free oxygen radicals and the lipid peroxidation products on hypoxic cardiac injury. In addition, L-tryptophan supplementation has a strong protective effect on hypoxic heart by antioxidant activity.