Effect of orotic acid and magnesium orotate on the development and progression of the UM-X7.1 hamster hereditary cardiomyopathy.

This study deals with the potential therapeutic effect of orotic acid (OA) and Mg Orotate (MgO) on myocardial degeneration and the development of congestive heart failure in cardiomyopathic (CM) hamsters of the UM-X7.1 line. Two major age groups (group I, < 30 days and group II, > 180 days old) were used in these experiments, which lasted 30 and 50 days, respectively; the orotic salts were incorporated (10%) into Purina Lab Chow given ad libitum. Macroscopic and microscopic assessment of pathologic changes together with ECG recordings revealed that MgO treatment significantly reduces myocardial damage, especially the severity of calcific changes. ECG recordings clearly demonstrated a significant shortening of QTc and PR intervals, resulting in partial electrical stabilization of failing hearts, with a significant delay in systemic congestive changes. The prevention of heart lesions was less evident in animals receiving OA, but both preparations proved to be equally efficient in prolonging survival of the CM hamsters.