Effects of the SGLT2 Inhibition on Cardiac Remodeling in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats, a Model of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Clinical trials have shown that sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve clinical outcomes in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. As most studies were performed in Type 2 DM, the cardiovascular effects of SGLT2 inhibition still require clarification in Type 1 DM. We analyzed the effects of SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin on cardiac remodeling in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, an experimental model of Type 1 DM. Methods: Male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups: control (C, n = 14); control treated with dapagliflozin (C + DAPA, n = 14); diabetes (DM, n = 20); and diabetes treated with dapagliflozin (DM + DAPA, n = 20) for 8 weeks. Dapagliflozin dosage was 5 mg/kg/day. Statistical analyses: ANOVA and Tukey or Kruskal−Wallis and Dunn. Results: DM + DAPA presented decreased blood pressure and glycemia and increased body weight compared to DM (C 507 ± 52; C + DAPA 474 ± 50; DM 381 ± 52 *; DM + DAPA 430 ± 48 # g; * p < 0.05 vs. C; # p < 0.05 vs. C + DAPA and DM + DAPA). DM echocardiogram presented left ventricular and left atrium dilation with impaired systolic and diastolic function. Cardiac changes were attenuated by dapagliflozin. Myocardial hydroxyproline concentration and interstitial collagen fraction did not differ between groups. The expression of Type III collagen was lower in DM and DM + DAPA than their controls. Type I collagen expression and Type I-to-III collagen ratio were lower in DM + DAPA than C + DAPA. DM + DAPA had lower lipid hydroperoxide concentration (C 275 ± 42; C + DAPA 299 ± 50; DM 385 ± 54 *; DM + DAPA 304 ± 40 # nmol/g tissue; * p < 0.05 vs. C; # p < 0.05 vs. DM) and higher superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity than DM. Advanced glycation end products did not differ between groups. Conclusion: Dapagliflozin is safe, increases body weight, decreases glycemia and oxidative stress, and attenuates cardiac remodeling in an experimental rat model of Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Açai supplementation (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) attenuates cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats through different mechanistic pathways

Myocardial infarction has a high mortality rate worldwide. Therefore, clinical intervention in cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction is essential. Açai pulp is a natural product and has been considered a functional food because of its antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of açai pulp supplementation on cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats. After 7 days of surgery, male Wistar rats were assigned to six groups: sham animals fed standard chow (SA0, n = 14), fed standard chow with 2% açai pulp (SA2, n = 12) and fed standard chow with 5% açai pulp (SA5, n = 14), infarcted animals fed standard chow (IA0, n = 12), fed standard chow with 2% açai pulp (IA2, n = 12), and fed standard chow with 5% açai pulp (IA5, n = 12). After 3 months of supplementation, echocardiography and euthanasia were performed. Açai pulp supplementation, after myocardial infarction, improved energy metabolism, attenuated oxidative stress (lower concentration of malondialdehyde, P = 0.023; dose-dependent effect), modulated the inflammatory process (lower concentration of interleukin-10, P<0.001; dose-dependent effect) and decreased the deposit of collagen (lower percentage of interstitial collagen fraction, P<0.001; dose-dependent effect). In conclusion, açai pulp supplementation attenuated cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats. Also, different doses of açai pulp supplementation have dose-dependent effects on cardiac remodeling.

Influence of resistance exercise on cardiac remodeling and soleus muscle of infarcted rats

Introduction

Resistance exercise (RE) provides several benefits for healthy individuals. However, its effects during heart failure are unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of RE on functional capacity, cardiac remodeling, and soleus muscle molecular and biochemical features in rats with myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

Three months after MI or simulated surgery (Sham), Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Sham (n=14), MI (n=13), and MI subjected to RE (RE-MI, n=14). Exercised rats trained 3 times a week performing four climbs with progressive loads on a ladder over 12 weeks. Functional capacity was assessed by maximum carrying capacity test in the ladder and exercise tolerance test in treadmill. Echocardiogram was performed at the end of the study. Energy metabolism and antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed by spectrophotometry in the soleus muscle. Oxidative stress markers were analyzed in soleus muscle (lipid hydroperoxide) or serum (malondialdehyde and protein carbonylation). Protein expression of insulin type-1 growth factor-like pathway, protein kinase B, and rapamycin target complex was analyzed by Western-blot. Statistical analysis: ANOVA and Bonferroni or Dunn, Student's t and Goodman tests; p&lt;0.05.

Results

Mortality was higher in MI than Sham. Infarction size did not differ between groups. Resistance exercise increased maximum load carrying capacity, without changing functional capacity or cardiac remodeling. Catalase activity was lower in MI than Sham and glutathione peroxidase activity was lower in MI than Sham and RE-MI. Protein carbonylation was higher in RE-MI than MI. Energy metabolism did not differ between groups, except for lower phosphofructokinase activity in RE-MI than MI. Expression of p70s6K, p-FoxO3a, and p-FoxO3a-to-FoxO3a ratio was lower, and p-p70s6K-to-p70s6K ratio was higher in MI than Sham.

Conclusion

The practice of resistance exercise is safe, attenuates mortality, and improves maximum load carrying capacity regardless of changes in cardiac remodeling in infarcted rats. In soleus muscle, resistance exercise preserves phosphofructokinase and antioxidant enzyme activity and expression of the proteins involved in muscle trophism.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): CNPq UNESP

The role of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in cardiac remodelling induced by cigarette smoke exposure

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the alterations in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance are mechanisms presented in cardiac remodelling induced by the toxicity of cigarette smoke. Male Wistar rats were assigned to the control group (C; n = 12) and the cigarette smoke-exposed group (exposed to cigarette smoke over 2 months) (CS; n = 12). Transthoracic echocardiography, blood pressure assessment, serum biochemical analyses for catecholamines and cotinine, energy metabolism enzymes activities assay; HOMA index (homeostatic model assessment); immunohistochemistry; and Western blot for proteins involved in energy metabolism were performed. The CS group presented concentric hypertrophy, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and higher oxidative stress. It was observed changes in energy metabolism, characterized by a higher HOMA index, lower concentration of GLUT4 (glucose transporter 4) and lower 3-hydroxyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity, suggesting the presence of insulin resistance. Yet, the cardiac glycogen was depleted, phosphofructokinase (PFK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased, with normal pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity. The activity of citrate synthase, mitochondrial complexes and ATP synthase (adenosine triphosphate synthase) decreased and the expression of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) increased. In conclusion, exposure to cigarette smoke induces cardiac remodelling and dysfunction. The mitochondrial dysfunction and heart damage induced by cigarette smoke exposure are associated with insulin resistance and glucose metabolism changes.

P2499Effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on skeletal muscle of infarcted rats

Background

Skeletal muscle changes contribute to reduced physical performance after myocardial infarction (MI). Exercise has been recommended to stable patients. However, the effects of resistance exercise after MI are not clear. We compared the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise initiated during compensated cardiac remodeling in infarcted rat gastrocnemius muscle.

Methods

Three months after MI induction, Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Sham (n=20); sedentary MI (MI-S, n=9); aerobic exercised MI (MI-A, n=9); and resistance exercised MI (MI-R, n=13). Exercised rats trained three times a week for 12 weeks on a treadmill or ladder. Energy metabolism, oxidative stress markers, and antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed by spectrophotometry. Satellite cells activation markers (MyoD, NCAM, and myosin heavy chain neonatal isoform) were assessed by immunofluorescence or Western blot (Pax-7). Statistical analysis: ANOVA or Mann Whitney.

Results

Physical aerobic capacity was greater in MI-A and strength gain higher in MI-R. Cardiac structures and left ventricular function evaluated by echocardiogram did not differ between infarcted groups. Histological analysis showed that MI size and gastrocnemius cross sectional area did not differ between infarcted groups. Oxygen reactive species production was higher in MI-S than Sham and lipid hydroperoxide concentration was lower in MI-A than the other groups. Catalase activity was higher and glutathione peroxidase lower in infarcted groups than Sham. Superoxide dismutase activity was higher in Sham and MI-R than MI-S. Skeletal muscle metabolism enzyme activity did not differ between groups, except for increase pyruvate kinase in MI-S against the other groups, and β-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase in MI-S against Sham. Satellite cell activation and protein expression of MAPK and NF-kB did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Aerobic and resistance exercise respectively improves physical capacity and muscle strength without changing echocardiographic parameters of infarcted rats. Myocardial infarction increases oxygen reactive species production and changes antioxidant enzyme activity and glucose and fatty acid metabolism. Aerobic exercise is superior to resistance exercise against oxidative stress reducing muscle lipid hydroperoxide concentration and attenuating change in glutathione peroxidase activity.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Financial support: Fapesp, CNPq, Capes, and UNESP

P4428Physical exercise during uncontrolled systemic arterial hypertension

Introduction

Physical exercise reduces systemic arterial blood pressure and improves cardiac remodeling. However, the effects of exercise during uncontrolled arterial hypertension remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the influence of physical training on cardiac remodeling in untreated spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

Methods

Four experimental groups were used: sedentary (W-SED n=27) and trained (W-EX, n=31) normotensive Wistar rats, and sedentary (SHR-SED, n=27) and exercised (SHR-EX, n=32) hypertensive rats. At 13 months old, the exercise groups underwent treadmill exercise five days a week, for four months. Echocardiogram was performed to evaluate cardiac structures and function. In vitro myocardial function was analyzed in left ventricular (LV) papillary muscle preparations. Myocardial collagen was quantified by histology and hydroxyproline concentration and antioxidant enzyme activity was assessed by spectrophotometry. NADPH oxidase activity was analyzed by lucigenin reduction. Protein expression was quantified by Western blot. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) activity was evaluated by zymography. Statistical analyzes: two factor ANOVA and Bonferroni or Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests.

Results

Systolic blood pressure was higher in SHR groups. Exercised groups had greater physical capacity. Frequency of heart failure features was higher in hypertensive groups than controls; SHR-EX had a lower frequency of pleural effusion and tachypnea than SHR-SED. Echocardiogram showed lower LV wall thickness, LV relative wall thickness, left atrium diameter, and relaxation time in SHR-EX than SHR-SED. Myocardial function was better in SHR-EX (positive derivative of developed tension) than SHR-SED. SHR-EX had higher antioxidant enzyme activity than SHR-SED. Lipid hydroperoxide concentration, myocyte diameters, and phosphorylated JNK and total IkB protein expression were higher in hypertensive than control groups. Hydroxyproline, malondialdehyde, NADPH oxidase activity, and protein expression of collagen III, lysyl oxidase, TIMP-1, total JNK, phosphorylated p38, phosphorylated and total p65, and phosphorylated IkB did not differ between groups. Interstitial collagen fraction, MMP-2 activity, and protein expression of total p38, and total and phosphorylated ERK were higher in SHR-SED than W-SED. Exercise reduced MMP-2 activity and phosphorylated ERK in hypertensive rats.

Conclusion

Physical exercise improves physical capacity, reduces the frequency of heart failure features, and attenuates cardiac remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats. In addition, exercise increases antioxidant enzyme activity, decreases ERK phosphorylation and MMP-2 activity, and attenuates total ERK protein expression.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Fapesp, CNPq, Capes and UNESP

Erythrocyte SOD1 activity, but not SOD1 polymorphisms, is associated with ICU mortality in patients with septic shock

The objective of our study was to evaluate the influence of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) polymorphisms on erythrocyte SOD1 activity and the mortality of patients with septic shock. We prospectively evaluated 175 patients aged over 18 years with septic shock upon ICU admission. However, 38 patients were excluded. Thus, 137 patients were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were taken within the first 24 h of the patient's admission to determine erythrocyte SOD1 activity and nine SOD1 gene polymorphisms. The mean patient age was 63 ± 16 years, 58% were men, and ICU mortality rate was 66%. The patients who died were older and more severely ill, with higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, as well as higher lactate, urea, and protein carbonyl levels. In the logistic regression model, erythrocyte SOD1 activity was associated with ICU mortality. This relationship was also maintained in the highest tertile of SOD1 activity (odds ratio [OR]: 0.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00-0.78; p = 0.037). Only SNP rs2070424 of the SOD1 gene influenced erythrocyte SOD1 activity. For patients with the AA allele, the activity of SOD1 was lower in relation to G-carriers (A/G+G/G genotype) (p = 0.019). None of the nine SOD1 SNPs were associated with ICU mortality. In conclusion, the SNP rs2070424 of the SOD1 gene interferes with erythrocyte SOD1 activity, and higher activity of SOD1 was associated with decreased mortality in patients with septic shock.

Influence of apocynin on cardiac remodeling in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus

Background

Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important mechanism leading to diabetic cardiomyopathy. Apocynin, a drug isolated from the herb Picrorhiza kurroa, is considered an antioxidant agent by inhibiting NADPH oxidase activity and improving ROS scavenging. This study analyzed the influence of apocynin on cardiac remodeling in diabetic rats.

Methods

Six-month-old male Wistar rats were assigned into 4 groups: control (CTL, n = 15), control + apocynin (CTL + APO, n = 20), diabetes (DM, n = 20), and diabetes + apocynin (DM + APO, n = 20). DM was induced by streptozotocin. Seven days later, apocynin (16 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was initiated and maintained for 8 weeks. Left ventricular (LV) histological sections were used to analyze interstitial collagen fraction. NADPH oxidase activity was evaluated in LV samples. Comparisons between groups were performed by ANOVA for a 2 × 2 factorial design followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test.

Results

Body weight (BW) was lower and glycemia higher in diabetic animals. Echocardiogram showed increased left atrial diameter, LV diastolic diameter, and LV mass indexed by BW in both diabetic groups; apocynin did not affect these indices. LV systolic function was impaired in DM groups and unchanged by apocynin. Isovolumic relaxation time was increased in DM groups; transmitral E/A ratio was higher in DM + APO compared to DM. Myocardial functional evaluation through papillary muscle preparations showed impaired contractile and relaxation function in both DM groups at baseline conditions. After positive inotropic stimulation, developed tension (DT) was lower in DM than CTL. In DM + APO, DT had values between those in DM and CTL + APO and did not significantly differ from either group. Myocardial interstitial collagen fraction was higher in DM than CTL and did not differ between DM + APO and CTL + APO. Serum activity of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase was lower in DM than CTL; apocynin restored catalase and SOD levels in DM + APO. Myocardial NADPH oxidase activity did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Apocynin restores serum antioxidant enzyme activity despite unchanged myocardial NADPH oxidase activity in diabetic rats.

Protein Carbonyl, But Not Malondialdehyde, Is Associated With ICU Mortality in Patients With Septic Shock

Background:

The objective of our study was to evaluate the association of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl concentration with intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in patients with septic shock.

Methods:

We prospectively evaluated 175 patients aged over 18 years with septic shock upon ICU admission. However, 16 patients were excluded. Thus, 159 patients were enrolled in the study. In addition, we evaluated 16 control patients. At the time of the patients’ enrollment, demographic information was recorded. Blood samples were taken within the first 24 hours of the patient’s admission to determine serum MDA and protein carbonyl concentrations.

Results:

The mean age was 67.3 ± 15.9 years, 44% were males, and the ICU mortality rate was 67.9%. Median MDA concentration was 1.53 (0.83-2.22) µmol/L, and median protein carbonyl concentration was 24.0 (12.7-32.8) nmol/mL. Patients who died during ICU stay had higher protein carbonyl concentration. However, there was no difference in MDA levels between these patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that higher levels of protein carbonyl were associated with ICU mortality (area under the curve: 0.955; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.918-0.992; P < .001) at the cutoff of >22.83 nmol/mL (sensibility: 80.4% and specificity: 98.1%). In the logistic regression models, protein carbonyl concentrations (odds ratio [OR]: 1.424; 95% CI: 1.268-1.600; P < .001), but not MDA concentrations (OR: 1.087; 95% CI: 0.805-1.467; P = .59), were associated with ICU mortality when adjusted for age, gender, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score; and when adjusted by APACHE II score, lactate, and urea; protein carbonyl concentrations (OR: 1.394; 95% CI: 1.242-1.564; P < .001); and MDA (OR: 1.054; 95% CI: 0.776-1.432; P = .73).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, protein carbonyl, but not MDA, concentration is associated with ICU mortality in patients with septic shock.

Anthropometrical parameters and markers of obesity in rats

The present study was undertaken to determine anthropometrical parameters in male adult Wistar rats. We tested the hypothesis that the anthropometrical index may identify obesity and may predict its adverse effects on lipid profile and oxidative stress in rats. Two experimental protocols were performed. In the first experiment, 50 male Wistar rats, 21 days old and fed a control chow were studied up to 150 days of age. In the second experiment, male Wistar rats, 60 days old, were divided into three groups ( n = 8): control (C) given free access to a control chow; (S) receiving the control chow and drinking 30% sucrose ad libitum and (HC) fed a high-carbohydrate diet ad libitum. The first experiment showed that food consumption, energy intake and body weight increased with increasing age, while specific rate of body mass gain was significantly decreased. There were no significant differences in body length and thoracic circumference of rats from 60 days of age. The abdominal circumference (AC) and body mass index (BMI) significantly increased with enhancing age in rats up to 90 days of age and remained constant thereafter. In the second experiment, after 30 days of dietary treatment, the final body weight, body mass gain, carcass fat and BMI were higher in S and HC rats than in C. There were no significant alterations in body length and carcass protein among the groups. Triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (CT), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipid hydroperoxide (LH) were higher in S and HC rats than in C. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased in HC rats and total antioxidant substances (TAS) decreased in S and HC rats. There were positive correlations between BMI with carcass fat, BMI with LH and BMI and serum TG concentration. In conclusion, the BMI for male adult Wistar rats ranged between 0.45 and 0.68 g/cm2. Obesity may be easily estimated from the BMI in rats. Alterations in BMI were associated with dyslipidemic profile and oxidative stress in serum of rats and BMI may predict these adverse consequences of the obesity in rats.

Impact of the length of vitamin D deficiency on cardiac remodeling

BACKGROUND

This study was aimed to evaluate the influence of vitamin D (VD) deficiency on cardiac metabolism, morphology, and function. Thus, we investigated the relationship of these changes with the length of the nutrient restriction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male weanling Wistar rats were allocated into 4 groups: C2 (n=24), animals were fed an AIN-93G diet with 1000 IU VD/kg of chow and were kept under fluorescent light for 2 months; D2 (n=22), animals were fed a VD-deficient AIN-93G diet and were kept under incandescent light for 2 months; C4 (n=21) animals were kept in the same conditions of C2 for 4 months; and D4 (n=23) animals were kept in the same conditions of D2 for 4 months. Biochemical analyses showed lower β-hydroxyacyl coenzyme-A dehydrogenase activity and higher lactate dehydrogenase activity in VD-deficient animals. Furthermore, VD deficiency was related to increased cytokines release, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Echocardiographic data showed left ventricular hypertrophy and lower fractional shortening and ejection fraction in VD-deficient animals. Difference became evident in the lactate dehydrogenase activity, left ventricular weight, right ventricle weight, and left ventricular mass after 4 months of VD deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that VD deficiency is associated with energetic metabolic changes, cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis and apoptosis, cardiac hypertrophy, left chambers alterations, and systolic dysfunction. Furthermore, length of the restriction influenced these cardiac changes.

In vitro antibacterial activity of medicinal plant extracts against Escherichia coli strains from human clinical specimens and interactions with antimicrobial drugs

The biological properties of medicinal plants have been documented worldwide for many centuries. We aimed to evaluate interactions between crude extracts from Psidium guajava, Zingiber officinale, Cymbopogon citratus, Caryophyllus aromaticus, Mikania glomerata and Allium sativum samples and antimicrobial drugs against Escherichia coli strains. The susceptibility test performed was disc diffusion, and crude extracts were diluted (%v/v) into Müller-Hinton agar (MHA) at one quarter of the minimal inhibitory concentration for 90% (MIC(90%)) of E. coli strains found previously. Synergistic interactions were observed between C. citratus and polymyxin, and A. sativum extracts and gentamicin. The crude A. sativum extract was the only one that did not show any antagonism with the antimicrobial drugs. The results thus showed the potential use of these medicinal plants against E. coli strains, although antagonism with antimicrobial drugs is a negative aspect in the combined therapy of infectious diseases caused by E. coli.

Calorimetry, morphometry, oxidative stress, and cardiac metabolic response to growth hormone treatment in obese and aged rats

This study investigated the effects of growth hormone therapy on energy expenditure, lipid profile, oxidative stress and cardiac energy metabolism in aging and obesity conditions. Life expectancy is increasing in world population and with it, the incidence of public health problems such as obesity and cardiac alterations. Because growth hormone (GH) concentration is referred to be decreased in aging conditions, a question must be addressed: what is the effect of GH on aging related adverse changes? To investigate the effects of GH on cardiac energy metabolism and its association with calorimetric parameters, lipid profile and oxidative stress in aged and obese rats, initially 32 male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups (n=16), C: given standard-chow and water; H: given hypercaloric-chow and receiving 30% sucrose in its drinking water. After 45 days, both C and H groups were divided into 2 subgroups (n=8), C+PL: standard-chow, water, and receiving saline subcutaneously; C+GH: standard-chow, water, and receiving 2 mg/kg/day rhGH subcutaneously; H+PL: hypercaloric-chow, 30% sucrose, receiving saline subcutaneously; H+GH: hypercaloric-chow, 30% sucrose, receiving rhGH subcutaneously. After 30 days, C+GH and H+PL rats had higher body mass index, Lee-index, body fat content, percent-adiposity, serum triacylglycerol, cardiac lipid-hydroperoxide, and triacylglycerol than C+PL. Energy-expenditure (RMR)/body weight, oxygen consumption and fat-oxidation were higher in H+GH than in H+PL. LDL-cholesterol was highest in H+GH rats, whereas cardiac pyruvate-dehydrogenase and phosphofrutokinase were higher in H+GH and H+PL rats than in C+PL. In conclusion, the present study brought new insights on aging and obesity, demonstrating for the first time that GH therapy was harmful in aged and obesity conditions, impairing calorimetric parameters and lipid profile. GH was disadvantageous in control old rats, having undesirable effects on triacylglycerol accumulation and cardiac oxidative stress.

Butyl hydroxytoluene (BHT)-induced oxidative stress: Effects on serum lipids and cardiac energy metabolism in rats

Recent lines of evidences indicate that several pathological conditions, as cardiovascular diseases, are associated with oxidative stress. In order to validate a butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)-induced experimental model of oxidative stress in the cardiac tissue and serum lipids, 12 Wistar rats were divided into two groups, a control group and the BHT group, which received BHT i.p. twice a week (1500 mg/kg body weight) during 30 days. BHT group presented lower body weight gain and heart weight. BHT induced toxic effects on serum through increased triacylglycerols (TG), VLDL and LDL-cholesterol concentrations. The heart of BHT animals showed alteration of antioxidant defenses and increased concentrations of lipid hydroperoxides, indicating elevated lipoperoxidation. TG concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase activities were elevated in the cardiac muscle of BHT animals. Thus, long-term administration of BHT is capable to induce oxidative and metabolic alterations similarly to some pathological disorders, constituting an efficient experimental model to health scientific research.