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INTRODUCTION
Olanzapine is a commonly utilized atypical antipsychotic medication, mainly indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorders. Although its effectiveness in controlling symptoms is thoroughly established, its administration is often associated with significant metabolic adverse effects, such as weight gain, changes in lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and heightened cardiovascular risk (Pillinger et al., 2020; Reynolds & Kirk, 2010). These adverse effects are critical contributors to decreased medication adherence and elevated morbidity among patients receiving long-term therapy (Correll et al., 2015).
The metabolic disturbances associated with olanzapine are thought to result from its interaction with neurotransmitter receptors that influence appetite regulation, insulin action, and lipid storage. For instance, antagonism of histamine H1 and serotonin 5-HT2C receptors is associated with heightened appetite and increased adiposity, whereas disruption of muscarinic and adrenergic pathways may negatively impact glucose and lipid homeostasis (Teff et al., 2013; Albaugh et al., 2011).
Given these challenges, interest has grown in identifying natural compounds that can counteract these adverse outcomes. One such candidate is Theobroma cocoa, the source of cocoa, known for its high concentration of bioactive flavonoids and methylxanthines. These phytochemicals have demonstrated promising cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, including improvement in endothelial function, a decrease in oxidative stress, and an improvement in insulin sensitivity (Shrime et al., 2011; Mellor et al., 2013).
This research examines the safeguarding properties of Theobroma cocoa against olanzapine-induced cardio metabolic alterations in a preclinical model. The primary objective is to evaluate whether co-administration of cacao extract can mitigate the metabolic and cardiovascular toxicity commonly observed with olanzapine treatment, thereby supporting its potential as an adjunctive therapeutic approach.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Animals
Male Wistar rats weighing between (200-250 g) were sourced from the Central Animal Research Facility. They were maintained in standard laboratory conditions featuring a 12-hr light/dark cycle and were provided with unrestricted access to standard rodent chow and water. The experimental procedures received approved from the Institutional Animal Ethical Committee (IAEC) of pharmacology-II Laboratory at Pravara Rural College of Pharmacy, Pravaranagar. The CPCSEA Registration No 1942/P0/Re/S/17/CPCSEA/2023/01/05/01. Prior to the commencement of the study the animals were acclimatized under a 12-hr light/dark cycle for a duration of 7 days before the study.
Chemicals
Olanzapine was acquired from Yarrow Chem products located in Mumbai, India. The Olanzapine was then dissolved in 0.1 N hydrochloric acid, and pH was modified to -5.5 (using 0.1 N NaOH) and final volume being adjusted using distilled water (Parasuraman, et al, 2017).
Collection and preparation of extraction of Theobroma cocoa (TCE)
Cocoa seeds was acquired from VALLEYSPICE- specifically Cocoa beans sourced from Idukki District in Kerala, India for the purpose of extraction. The collected pods were meticulously washed under running water, chopped, shade dried, and processed into coarse power using a pulverizer. The powder was then defatted with petroleum ether (bp 40-60 ℃) and subjected to maceration (80% ethanol) within a sealed container for a week. Following this the mixture was filtered, concentrated, lyophilized, and stored in an appropriate container for further use (Patil, et al, 2022).
Experimental Groups
The rats were assigned to five groups at random (n = 8 per group):
Control: Received vehicle (saline)
Olanzapine (OLZ): Administered Olanzapine (5 mg/kg/day) orally
Olanzapine + TCE 50 mg/kg: Received Received Administered both Olanzapine and Theobroma cocoa extract (50 mg/kg/day) orally.
Olanzapine + TCE 100 mg/kg: Received Administered both Olanzapine and Theobroma cocoa extract (100 mg/kg/day) orally.
Olanzapine + TCE 200 mg/kg: Received Administered both Olanzapine and Theobroma cocoa extract (200 mg/kg/day) orally.
Treatment Duration
The treatment lasted for 8 weeks, with daily administration of respective treatments.
Assessment Parameters
Blood Pressure Monitoring: Tail-Cuff Technique
Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) was assessed through a non-invasive tail-cuff technique in awake rats. The procedure involved placing an inflatable cuff around the tail, which detects the occlusion and resumption of blood flow to determine systolic values. Proper habituation of animals and control of ambient temperature are essential to minimize stress-induced variability and obtain reliable data (Kurtz et al., 2005; Feng et al., 2008).
Serum Lipid Profile Estimation
The serum concentrations of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides were determined utilizing enzymatic colorimetric assay kits. These standardized kits are based on enzymatic hydrolysis followed by spectrophotometric detection and are widely used for lipid profiling due to their sensitivity and reproducibility (Allain et al., 1974).
Inflammatory Marker Assessment: CRP via ELISA
C-reactive protein (CRP), recognised as a sensitive biomarker of systemic inflammation, was measured utilizing a high-sensitivity ELISA kit. This technique allows detection of low-level inflammatory changes with high specificity and is routinely employed in cardiovascular and metabolic research (Rifai & Ridker, 2001).
Oxidative Stress Marker: MDA via TBARS Assay
Malondialdehyde (MDA), a significant byproduct of lipid peroxidation, was evaluated through the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. The MDA-TBA complex generate a pink chromogen that can be quantified at 532 nm making it a dependable markersfor assessing oxidative stress levels in both tissue and serum samples (Ohkawa et al., 1979).
Body Weight Monitoring
Body weight was recorded weekly using a precision electronic balance. This serves as an essential indicator of systemic toxicity, metabolic changes, and overall animal health during pharmacological interventions (OECD, 2001).
Electrocardiographic (ECG) and QT Interval Analysis
Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded under light anesthesia using standard lead II configuration to evaluate cardiac electrical function, including QT intervals. The QT interval, adjusted for heart rate, indicates the duration of ventricular depolarization and repolarization. Anesthetic effects on ECG readings were controlled to minimize variability (Mitchell et al., 1998; Sarma et al., 1990).
Statistical Analysis
Data are presented as the Mean ± with Standard Deviation (SD). Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. A p-value of < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant.
RESULTS
Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP)
The administration of olanzapine resulted in a notable elevation in systolic blood pressure recorded at (132 ± 6 mmHg, p < 0.01) in contrast to the control group (118 ± 5 mmHg). Co-treatment with Theobroma cocoa extract (TCE) at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg doses progressively reduced SBP to 128 ± 5 mmHg (p < 0.05), 123 ± 4 mmHg (p < 0.01), and 120 ± 4 mmHg (p < 0.01 respectively, indicating dose-dependent attenuation of olanzapine-induced hypertension (Figure 1).
Lipid Profile
Olanzapine significantly elevated LDL cholesterol (145 ± 12 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and triglycerides (185 ± 15 mg/dL, p < 0.001), while reducing HDL cholesterol (44 ± 5 mg/dL, p < 0.05) compared to controls. The co-treatment with TCE resulted in a dose-dependent enhancement of the lipid profile characterized by a reduction in LDL and triglycerides levels alongside a restoration of HDL levels. The highest dose (200 mg/kg) brought LDL and triglycerides close to control values and significantly increased HDL (52 ± 4 mg/dL, p < 0.01) (Table 1).
| Group | LDL (mg/dL) Mean±SEM | HDL (mg/dL) Mean±SEM | Triglycerides (mg/dL) Mean±SEM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control | 100±10 | 52±4 | 130±12 |
| Olanzapine | 145±12 *** | 44±5 * | 185±15 *** |
| Olanzapine+TCE 50 | 135±11 ## | 47±5 # | 160±13 ## |
| Olanzapine+TCE 100 | 120±10 ## | 50±5 ## | 140±12 ## |
| Olanzapine+TCE 200 | 110±9 ## | 52±4 ## | 135±11 ## |
C - reactive protein (CRP)
Olanzapine markedly raised CRP levels (5.2 ± 0.6 mg/L, p < 0.001) relative to controls (2.5 ± 0.3 mg/L). The co-treatment with TCE lead to a significant reduction in CRP level in a dose-dependent manner, particularly at the dosage of 200 mg/kg dose lowering CRP to 2.8 ± 0.3 mg/L (p < 0.01 vs. olanzapine alone) (Figure 2).
Oxidative Stress (MDA)
MDA levels increased significantly after olanzapine treatment (3.9 ± 0.3 µmol/L, p < 0.001) versus control (2.1 ± 0.2 µmol/L). Co-administration of TCE decreased MDA levels dose-dependently, with the 200 mg/kg dose nearly normalizing oxidative stress (2.4 ± 0.2 µmol/L, p < 0.01 vs. olanzapine) (Figure 3).
Body Weight Gain
Olanzapine caused significant weight gain (4.6 ± 0.4 kg, p < 0.001) compared to controls (0.8 ± 0.2 kg). TCE co-treatment significantly decreased weight gain in a dose-dependent manner, with the maximum dosage restricting weight gain to 2.2 ± 0.2 kg (p < 0.01 vs. olanzapine) (Table 2).
| Group | Weight Gain (kg) Mean±SEM |
|---|---|
| Control | 0.8±0.2 |
| Olanzapine | 4.6±0.4 *** |
| Olanzapine + TCE 50 | 3.5±0.3 ## |
| Olanzapine + TCE 100 | 2.8±0.3 ## |
| Olanzapine + TCE 200 | 2.2±0.2 ## |
QT Interval
Olanzapine significantly prolonged the QT interval (455 ± 15 Ms, p < 0.01 vs. control). Cocoa extract co-treatment slightly decreased QT prolongation but not significantly, with values remaining above control levels (440 ± 12 Ms at 200 mg/kg) (Table 3).
| Group | QT Interval (ms) Mean±SEM |
|---|---|
| Control | 410±10 |
| Olanzapine | 455±15 ** |
| Olanzapine + TCE 50 | 450±14 |
| Olanzapine + TCE 100 | 445±13 |
| Olanzapine + TCE 200 | 440±12 |
DISCUSSION
Olanzapine is well-known for its effectiveness in treating psychiatric condition; nevertheless, its prolonged use is frequently constrained by considerable cardiometabolic adverse effects. In alignment with previous studies, our findings confirm that olanzapine elevates systolic blood pressure, increases serum LDL and triglyceride levels, induces oxidative stress (MDA), raises inflammation markers (CRP), prolongs the QT interval, and promotes significant weight gain (Pillinger et al., 2020; Reynolds & Kirk, 2010). These effects are largely attributed to olanzapine's antagonism of receptors such as histamine H1, serotonin 5-HT2C, and muscarinic receptors, which regulate appetite, lipid storage, and glucose metabolism (Teff et al., 2013; Albaugh et al., 2011).
A notable finding of this study is the cardioprotective effect observed with Theobroma cocoa extract (TCE) co-treatment, particularly at higher doses. Cocoa's rich polyphenolic content-primarily flavonoids such as epicatechin-has been linked to improvements in endothelial function, nitric oxide synthesis, and vascular tone, which may explain the observed dose-dependent reduction in systolic blood pressure (Grassi et al., 2005; Shrime et al., 2011).
In terms of lipid regulation, olanzapine-induced dyslipidemia was effectively countered by cocoa extract. Prior research has demonstrated that cocoa polyphenols diminish the LDL oxidation and modulate hepatic lipid metabolism, thereby improving lipid profiles (Mellor et al., 2013). The increase in HDL levels and normalization of LDL and triglycerides in the cocoa-treated groups support these cardiometabolic benefits.
Oxidative stress and inflammation are critical pathways in cardiovascular disease, and our study corroborates earlier findings that olanzapine increases both (da Silva Dias et al., 2014). Cocoa’s antioxidant effects, driven by its flavonoids, effectively lowered MDA and CRP levels, indicating reduced lipid peroxidation and systemic inflammation (Katz et al., 2011; Rifai & Ridker, 2001).
Weight gain-a well-documented side effect of olanzapine-was significantly reduced in animals co-treated with cocoa. This phenomenon may entail the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and improved energy metabolism, consistent with the mechanisms proposed in prior preclinical studies (Nogueira et al., 2011).
However, cocoa co-treatment had only a modest effect on QT interval prolongation, which remained statistically non-significant. Since QT prolongation is often linked to direct inhibition of cardiac potassium channels (e.g., hERG), cocoa’s mechanism of action may not adequately target these electrophysiological disruptions (Vieweg et al., 2009).
In conclusion, this research underscores the potential of Theobroma cocoa as an adjunctive therapy to alleviate several olanzapine-induced cardiovascular and metabolic disturbances, though further work is needed to understand its limited effects on cardiac electrical activity.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that Theobroma cocoa extract significantly mitigates several cardio metabolic side effects induced by olanzapine, including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and excessive weight gain in a dose-dependent manner. While cocoa improved most parameters, it had limited effect on olanzapine-induced QT interval prolongation. These findings highlight the potential of cocoa polyphenols as a supportive adjunct therapy to enhance cardiovascular safety during antipsychotic treatment.
