Geraniol attenuates fibrosis and exerts anti-inflammatory effects on diet induced atherogenesis by NF-κB signaling pathway

Atherosclerosis is now generally accepted as a chronic inflammatory condition. The transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a key regulator of inflammation, immune responses, cell survival and cell proliferation. Tissue remodeling plays a significant role during the phase of inflammation and oxidative stress. In our study we have evaluated the effect of geraniol (GOH), a natural terpenoid on oxidative stress, inflammation and tissue remodeling in experimental animals. Experimental animals (hamsters) were divided into four groups; group 1 were control animals; group 2 were animals fed GOH alone (100 mg/kg b.w. p.o); group 3 were animals fed atherogenic diet (standard pellet diet+10% coconut oil+0.25% cholesterol); group 4 animals were fed atherogenic diet as in group 3+GOH (100 mg/kg b.w). At the end of the experimental period animals were killed and liver, heart and aorta tissues were analyzed for lipid peroxidation markers, non enzymic antioxidants and collagen distribution using histological studies like Milligan's trichrome and Picrosirius red staining. As inflammation plays a key role in tissue remodeling we also targeted the key inflammatory cytokine, NF-κB. GOH supplementation greatly prevented the remodeling of tissues by enhancing the free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus in conclusion it can be suggested that GOH (100 mg/kg b.w) prevents the atherogenic diet induced fibrosis in experimental hamsters.