The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects of royal jelly against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in experimental rats

Royal jelly is a natural product derived from honeybees, used as a nutrient supplement for the treatment of several medical conditions. This work aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of royal jelly pretreatment against an experimental model of myocardial infarction (MI), exploring the defensive role of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways. Methods: animals in this research were divided into four groups, with 6 animals in each: Group I (control), Group II (Royal Jelly), Group III (MI), and Group IV (MI + Royal Jelly). Results: royal jelly offered a cardioprotective effect against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac injury by downregulating cardiac markers such as troponin I and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), with obvious histological improvements. Royal jelly reduced oxidation through its downregulation of kelchlike ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), malonaldehyde (MDA), and stimulation of Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway, and antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Additionally, royal jelly decreased inflammatory factors, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Furthermore, it decreased apoptotic indicators Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3, while increasing B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Conclusion: royal jelly could serve as a cardioprotective agent against ISO-induced MI through its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant responses.