# Cardioprotective and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Arthrospira maxima Phycobiliproteins in a Prediabetic Rat Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction

## TL;DR

This study shows that Arthrospira maxima and its phycobiliproteins can protect the heart and reduce harmful cholesterol in prediabetic rats.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is demonstrating cardioprotective and antihyperlipidemic effects of Arthrospira maxima phycobiliproteins in a prediabetic rat model.

## Key findings

- ExPhy and Am reduced cardiac necrotic damage caused by ischemia.
- ExPhy and Am lowered total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
- A reduction in the atherogenic index was observed in specific doses.

## Abstract

Arthrospira
maxima (Am) is a filamentous
cyanobacterium with multiple nutraceutical components, such as essential
amino acids, proteins, secondary metabolites, and pigments, such as
β-carotene and phycobiliproteins. Am phycobiliproteins are water-soluble
proteins and accessory pigments involved in the photosynthetic process
with multiple beneficial health effects, such as antiviral, anticancer,
and antioxidant. The aim of this work was to analyze the cardioprotective
and antihyperlipidemic effects of Am and Am phycobiliproteins ((ExPhy)
containing 76% C-phycocyanin (C-PC), 18.4% allophycocyanin (APC),
and 3.8% phycoerythrin (PE)) in an acute myocardial infarction model.
Methods: Prediabetic Wistar rats were administered with ExPhy (6.75
mg/kg, 12.50 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg) and Am (500 mg/kg) for 21 days, then
the ischemia/reperfusion model was performed (1/4) measuring infarct
area vs healthy area, in addition to biochemical lipid tests. Results:
A reduction in cardiac necrotic damage produced by ischemia was found,
as well as a reduction in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol without
significant differences in triglycerides and HDL; however, a reduction
in the atherogenic index was observed in the doses of ExPhy 12.50
mg/kg and Am 500 mg/kg administered subchronically. Conclusion: Am
and ExPhy showed cardioprotective and antihyperlipidemic action in
the prediabetic rat model, because of its ability to modulate key
signaling pathways involved in cell survival, inflammation, and lipid
metabolism, hence acting as potential adjuvants against damage caused
by cardiac ischemia and reperfusion.