Myocardial infarction due to ischemia accounts for majority of deaths among cardiovascular disorders. Isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction and the protection offered by piperine was investigated in the present report. Lipid profile analysis by determining the levels of cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides and lipoproteins in serum and heart tissues showed anti-dyslipidemic action of piperine against ISO induced myocardial injury by modulating the ISO induced altered lipid profiles, maintaining to near control values. ISO treatment increased TBARS levels, PCC, serum markers of heart, depleted antioxidant status (GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx and GST) in tissues and, total, protein- and non-protein-sulfhydryl levels in serum and heart tissues. Piperine pre-treatment decreased the levels of serum markers, lipid peroxidation and PCC with increased antioxidant status in the heart tissues of ISO administered rats. Increased levels of the glycoprotein components in serum and decreased levels in heart tissues upon ISO administration were restored to near normal levels by piperine pre-treatment. Our present reports also showed the modulatory effect of piperine on membrane bound ATPase’s showing protection against ISO induced changes in membrane fluidity. The present study proved piperine as a potent therapeutic agent with its antioxidant and anti-dyslipidemic action against ISO induced myocardial infarction.
