Betaine Protects Mice from Cardiotoxicity Triggered by Sodium Arsenite Through Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Pathways

NaAsO₂ is known as a harmful pollutant all over the world, and many chronic heart diseases can be attributed to its prolonged exposure in NaAsO₂-contaminated water. Therefore, considering the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of betaine (BET), in this study, our team investigated the cardioprotective effects of this phytochemical agent on sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂)-induced cardiotoxicity. Forty male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: (I) Control; (II) BET (500 mg/kg); (III) NaAsO₂ (50 ppm); and (IV) NaAsO₂ + BET. NaAsO₂ was given to the animals for 8 weeks, but BET was given in the last two weeks. After decapitation, inflammatory factors and biochemical parameters were measured, and Western blot analyses were performed. BET decrease the activity level of alanine aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase MB, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level, inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α) content, and nuclear factor kappa B expression. Furthermore, BET increased cardiac total thiol and activity levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase and nuclear factor erythroid-2 expression. Hence, the administration of BET ameliorated the deleterious effects stemming from the imbalance of oxidative and antioxidant pathways and histopathological alterations observed in NaAsO₂-intoxicated mice, thereby attenuating oxidative stress-induced damage and inflammation.