In Vivo Analysis of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor Modulation, Superoxide Dismutase, and Coronary Artery Histopathology by Allium ascalonicum L Extract in Rat Models of Atherosclerosis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.12499Keywords:
Atherosclerosis, Allium ascalonicum L, Nrf2, SOD, Coronary histopathologyAbstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress as the main mechanisms. Standard therapies such as statins are not fully effective in preventing the development of atherosclerosis, so additional therapies are still needed. Allium ascalonicum L extract contains quercetin, kaempferol, and allicin, which have antioxidant potential. Objective: To analyze the therapy of Allium ascalonicum L extract variety Bima, sourced from local farmers in Brebes, Central Java, Indonesia combined with atorvastatin, which has not been specifically studied in a rat model of atherosclerosis, the duration of long-term therapy (12 weeks), and to analyze complete and integrated molecular variables. This study simultaneously analyzed oxidative stress and histopathology variables, including serum Nrf2, tissue Nrf2, SOD, and coronary artery histopathology, which are potential therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis, and assessed the correlation between serum Nrf2 and tissue Nrf2, which has not been done in previous studies. Methods: The in vivo experimental study was conducted using rat fed an atherogenic diet to induce atherosclerosis. Treatment groups received Allium ascalonicum L extract and/or atorvastatin for 12 weeks. Results: Allium ascalonicum L extract therapy significantly increased serum Nrf2, tissue Nrf2, and SOD levels (p < 0.05), and histopathology showed a decrease in the degree of atherosclerosis and coronary artery wall thickness. The best effect of Allium ascalonicum L extract was seen in group P3, which was induced with an atherogenic diet and given combination therapy with 500 mg/kgBW of Allium ascalonicum L extract and 0.9 mg/kgBW of atorvastatin. A very strong correlation was found between serum Nrf2 and tissue Nrf2 (r: 0.865). In conclusion, Allium ascalonicum L extract has been proven effective as a preventive therapy in reducing oxidative stress and improving coronary artery histopathology in rat models of atherosclerosis. Serum Nrf2 marker can be proposed as a marker for monitoring atherosclerosis therapy.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Allium ascalonicum L extract boosts serum and tissue Nrf2 levels in atherosclerosis.
- Combination therapy prevents oxidative stress and coronary artery damage in rat models of atherosclerosis.
- Strong correlation found between serum and tissue Nrf2, aiding non-invasive monitoring.
- Allium ascalonicum L extract improves SOD activity, enhancing antioxidant defense.
- Histopathology shows decreased atherosclerosis severity and vessel thickness post-treatment.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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