Protective Effect of Ellagic Acid Against Sodium Arsenite-Induced Cardio- and Hematotoxicity in Rats

Zinc-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Metallothionein Alleviate Arsenic-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Cyprinus Carpio

Arsenic (As) is a natural component of the Earth's crust, and its inorganic form is highly toxic. The problem of As pollution in water is extremely urgent, and its impact on aquatic organisms should be widely considered. Here, 120 common carp were selected as the test subjects and were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of As (2.83 mg L- 1) for 30 days. Histomorphological observations showed the adverse effects of As on the heart: irregular arrangement of myocardial fibers, rupture of muscle fiber bundles, inflammatory infiltration, and hemorrhages. Mechanistically, abnormal expression of factors related to As-induced inflammation (TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB pathway), endoplasmic reticulum stress (CHOP, GRP78, ATF6, PERK, IRE1) and oxidative stress (SOD, CAT, Nrf2, HO-1) was observed. Then, we tried to find a protective agent against As-induced myocardial injury. As one of the important metal elements for maintaining cell growth and immunity, zinc (Zn, 1 mg L- 1) significantly alleviated the pathological abnormalities induced by As, and the changes in physiological and biochemical indices in response to As exposure were significantly alleviated by Zn administration, which was accompanied by the restoration of metallothionein (ZIP8, Znt1, Znt5, Znt7) and heat shock protein (HSP60, HSP70, HSP90) expression. These results suggest for the possibilty of developing Zn as a candidate therapeutic agent for As induced aquatic toxicology.

Curcumin attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity via suppressing oxidative Stress, preventing inflammation and apoptosis: Ultrastructural and computational approaches

Currently, doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the medications commonly used in chemotherapy to treat different types of tumors.Nonetheless, despite being effective in multiple tumors, yet its use is limited owing to its cytotoxic effects, the therapeutic use of DOX has been limited. This work aimed to explore whether curcumin (CMN) can prevents DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Four groups of rats were created, with the first functioning as a control, while the second group received CMN. DOX alone was administered to the third group, whereas CMN and DOX were administered to the fourth group. Lipid peroxidation assessed as Malondialdehyde (MDA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), oxidative stress markers as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and inflammatory markers as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in heart homogenates, each one was assessed. Heart specimens was investigated histologically and ultrastructurally. Increased, AST, and ALT serum levels, increased MDA levels, decreased SOD and CAT levels, and increased TNF-α concentrations in heart homogenates were all signs of DOX-induced myocardial injury. Histological and ultrastructural examinations revealed vacuoles and larger, swollen mitochondria in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, DOX caused significant changes in the myocardium, most notably nuclei disintegration, myofibrillar loss, and myocyte vacuolization. Using CMN with DOX reduced the harmful consequences of DOX on the myocardium by returning the increased AST and ALT levels to their original levels as compared to the control and reducing them. In cardiac tissue, CMN significantly increased the concentrations of SOD and CAT and significantly decreased the concentrations of MDA and TNF-α. Biochemical and histological studies have demonstrated that CMN has a heart-protective effect that might be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities.

Ebselen: A Review on its Synthesis, Derivatives, Anticancer Efficacy and Utility in Combating SARS-COV-2

Ebselen is a selenoorganic chiral compound with antioxidant properties comparable to glutathione peroxidase. It is also known as 2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one. In studies examining its numerous pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and anti- Alzheimer's, ebselen has demonstrated promising results. This review's primary objective was to emphasize the numerous synthesis pathways of ebselen and their efficacy in fighting cancer. The data were collected from multiple sources, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Publons. The starting reagents for the synthesis of ebselen are 2-aminobenzoic acid and N-phenyl benzamide. It was discovered that ebselen has the ability to initiate apoptosis in malignant cells and prevent the formation of new cancer cells by scavenging free radicals. In addition, ebselen increases tumor cell susceptibility to apoptosis by inhibiting TNF-α mediated NF-kB activation. Ebselen can inhibit both doxorubicin and daunorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Allopurinol and ebselen administered orally can be used to suppress renal ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Due to excessive administration, diclofenac can induce malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract, which ebselen can effectively suppress. Recent research has demonstrated ebselen to inhibit viral function by binding to cysteinecontaining catalytic domains of various viral proteases. It was discovered that ebselen could inhibit the catalytic dyad function of Mpro by forming an irreversible covalent bond between Se and Cys145, thereby altering protease function and inhibiting SARS-CoV-2. Ebselen may also inhibit the activation of endosomal NADPH oxidase of vascular endothelial cells, which is believed to be required for thrombotic complications in COVID-19. In this review, we have included various studies conducted on the anticancer effect of ebselen as well as its inhibition of SARS-CoV-2.

Protective effects of macromolecular polyphenols, metals (zinc, selenium, and copper) - Polyphenol complexes, and different organs with an emphasis on arsenic poisoning: A review

For the potential health benefits and nutritional value, polyphenols are one of the secondary metabolites of plants that have received extensive research. It has anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity-reducing properties in addition to a high antioxidant content. Macromolecular polyphenols and polysaccharides are biologically active natural polymers with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Arsenic is an ecologically toxic metalloid. Arsenic in drinking water is the most common way people come into contact with this metalloid. While arsenic is known to cause cancer, it is also used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The treatment's effectiveness is hampered by the adverse effects it can cause on the body. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and the inability to regulate cell death cause the most adverse effects. Polyphenols and other macromolecules like polysaccharides act as neuroprotectants by mitigating free radical damage, inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production, lowering A42 fibril formation, boosting antioxidant levels, and controlling apoptosis and inflammation. To prevent the harmful effects of toxins, polyphenols and pectin lower oxidative stress, boost antioxidant levels, improve mitochondrial function, control apoptosis, and suppress inflammation. Therefore, it prevents damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, and reproductive system. This review aims to identify the effects of the polyphenols in conjugation with polysaccharides as an ameliorative strategy for arsenic-induced toxicity in various organs.

Boesenbergia rotunda displayed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic efficacy in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

This study evaluated the cardioprotective properties of Boesenbergia rotunda extract (BrE) against doxorubicin (DOX) induced cardiotoxicity. Rats received oral gavage of BrE for 28 days and DOX (5 mg/kg/week for 3 weeks). Thereafter the animals were sacrificed, blood and cardiac samples were collected for biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical analyses. The results indicated that BrE attenuated DOX triggered body and cardiac weight loss and prevented against cardiac injury by mitigating histopathological alterations in cardiac tissues as well as serum cardiac function enzymes. BrE significantly reduced serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), troponin T (TnT) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) in DOX-treated rats. Furthermore, BrE alleviated cardiotoxicity by reducing DOX instigated oxidative stress and potentiating the level of glutathione, as well as the activities superoxide dismutase and catalase in cardiac tissues. In addition, BrE significantly decreased the characteristic indices of DOX-induced cardiac inflammation and apoptosis. Immuno-histochemical analysis revealed that BrE decreased the stain intensity of p53 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) proteins compared to the DXB alone group. In conclusion, our results indicated that BrE modulated oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis to attenuate DOX-induced cardiac damage.

Promising remedies for cardiovascular disease: Natural polyphenol ellagic acid and its metabolite urolithins

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant worldwide factor contributing to human fatality and morbidity. With the increase of incidence rates, it is of concern that there is a lack of current therapeutic alternatives because of multiple side effects. Ellagic acid (EA), the natural polyphenol (C₁₄H₆O₈), is abundant in pomegranates, berries, and nuts. EA and its intestinal microflora metabolite, urolithins, have recently attracted much attention as a potential novel "medicine" because of their wide pharmacological properties.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to critically analyze available literature to summarize the beneficial effects of EA and urolithins, and highlights their druggability and therapeutic potential in various CVDs.

METHODS

We systematically studied research and review articles between 1984 and 2022 available on various databases to obtain the data on EA and urolithins with no language restriction. Their cardiovascular protective activities, underlying mechanism, and druggability were highlighted and discussed comprehensively.

RESULTS

We found that EA and urolithins may exert preventive and curative effects on CVD with negligible side effects and possibly regulate lipid metabolism imbalance, pro-inflammatory factor production, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, endothelial cell dysfunction, and Ca²⁺ intake and release. Potentially, this may lead to the prevention and amelioration of atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, cardiac fibrosis, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, and cardiotoxicities in vivo. Several molecules and signaling pathways are associated with their therapeutic actions, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, mitogen-activated protein kinase, NF-κB, nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2, sirtuin1, miRNA, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2.

CONCLUSION

In vitro and in vivo studies shows that EA and urolithins could be used as valid candidates for early prevention and effective therapeutic strategies for various CVDs.

Gemfibrozil palliates adriamycin-induced testicular injury in male rats via modulating oxidative, endocrine and inflammatory changes in rats

Adriamycin (ADR), an antineoplastic drug, is widely used to treat different types of cancers. Yet, the usage is limited because of its severe side effects on testis. On the other hand, gemfibrozil (GEM), as an anti-hyperlipidemic drug, has other pharmacological effects independent of lipid- lowering activity including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The present experiment was designed to investigate the effect of GEM on ADR-induced testicular injury in male rats. A total of 28 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 equal groups: Control; ADR; ADR + GEM; GEM. Serum level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were assessed. Also, testicular tissue oxidant/antioxidant markers (malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione) and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β) were measured. Histopathological studies were conducted on testes. GEM improved hormonal profile and antioxidant defenses in comparison with ADR-treated animals. GEM, significantly reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines compared with ADR-treated animals. Hormonal and biochemical results were further supported by testicular histopathological findings. Thus, GEM might represent a promising therapeutic modality for the attenuation of testicular injury induced by ADR in clinic.

Supplementation with sesame oil suppresses genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and enterotoxicity induced by sodium arsenite in rats

BACKGROUND

Sesame oil, an edible essential oil, is known to be rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and lignans with several reported health-promoting benefits. Acute arsenic poisoning produces toxic hepatitis, bone marrow depression and adverse gastrointestinal responses. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of sesame seed oil (SSO) against genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and colonic toxicity induced by sodium arsenite (SA) in Wistar rats.

METHODS

Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control, SA only (2.5 mg/kg), SA + SSO (4 ml/kg) and SSO alone for eight consecutive days. Liver function and morphology, bone marrow micronuclei induction, colonic histopathology, mucus production and immune expression of Bcl-2, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), MUC1 and cytokeratins AE1/AE3 were evaluated.

RESULTS

SA provoked increased serum activities of liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and caused severely altered morphology of hepatic and colonic tissues with increased frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs/1000PCE) in the bone marrow. In addition, SA triggered increased expression of colonic CEA and MUC1 but weak Bcl-2 immunoexpression. However, cotreatment with SSO demonstrated protective activities against SA-induced damage, as indicated by significantly reduced serum ALT and AST, fewer micronucleated bone marrow erythrocytes and well-preserved hepatic and colonic morphologies compared to the SA-treated rats. Furthermore, SSO protected the colonic mucosa by boosting mucus production, elevating anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression and reducing CEA expression. GC-MS analysis of SSO revealed that it was predominated by linoleic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, and tocopherols.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicated that SSO protected the liver, colon and bone marrow potentially via anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. The data suggest that sesame oil has potential therapeutic applications against chemical toxicities induced by arsenic.

Protective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) and its main components against natural and chemical toxic agents: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Different chemical toxicants or natural toxins can damage human health through various routes such as air, water, fruits, foods, and vegetables.

PURPOSE

Herbal medicines may be safe and selective for the prevention of toxic agents due to their active ingredients and various pharmacological properties. According to the beneficial properties of pomegranate, this paper summarized the protective effects of this plant against toxic substances.

STUDY DESIGN

In this review, we focused on the findings of in vivo and in vitro studies of the protective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) and its active components including ellagic acid and punicalagin, against natural and chemical toxic agents.

METHODS

We collected articles from the following databases or search engines such as Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, Pubmed and Scopus without a time limit until the end of September 2022.

RESULTS

P. granatum and its constituents have shown protective effects against natural toxins such as aflatoxins, and endotoxins as well as chemical toxicants for instance arsenic, diazinon, and carbon tetrachloride. The protective effects of these compounds are related to different mechanisms such as the prevention of oxidative stress, and reduction of inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) and nuclear factor ĸB (NF-ĸB) as well as the modulation of apoptosis, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and improvement of liver or cardiac function via regulation of enzymes.

CONCLUSION

In this review, different in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that P. granatum and its active constituents have protective effects against natural and chemical toxic agents via different mechanisms. There are no clinical trials on the protective effects of P. granatum against toxic agents.

Ellagic acid: insight into its protective effects in age-associated disorders

The disparity in the free radical generation and the production of antioxidants to counteract its effect is known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes damage to the macromolecules such as lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and DNA and RNA. The oxidative damage to the cellular components leads to a process of aging and various age-associated disorders. The literature survey for this review was done using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The papers showing the studies related to aging and age-associated disorders have been selected for reviewing this paper. Ellagic acid has been used as the keyword, and more emphasis has been put on papers from the last 10 years. However, some papers with significant studies prior to 10 years have also been considered. Almost 250 papers have been studied for reviewing this paper, and about 135 papers have been cited. Ellagic acid (EA) is present in high quantities in pomegranate and various types of berries. It is known to possess the antioxidant potential and protects from the harmful effects of free radicals. Various studies have shown its effect to protect cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, cancer, and diabetes. The present review focuses on the protective effect of ellagic acid in age-associated disorders. The effect of EA has been studied in various chronic disorders but the scope of this review is limited to cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. All the disease aspects have not been addressed in this particular review.

Phytochemicals in the Management of Arsenic Toxicity

Arsenic toxicity is a major concern due to its deleterious consequences for human health. Rapid industrialization also has weakened the quality of the environment by introducing pollutants that may disrupt balanced ecosystems, adversely and irreversibly impacting humans, plants, and animals. Arsenic, an important toxicant among all environmental hazards, can lead to several detrimental effects on cells and organs, impacting the overall quality of life. Nevertheless, arsenic also has a rich history as a chemotherapeutic agent used in ancient days for the treatment of diseases such as malaria, cancer, plague, and syphilis when other chemotherapeutic agents were yet to be discovered. Arsenicosis-mediated disorders remain a serious problem due to the lack of effective therapeutic options. Initially, chelation therapy was used to metabolically eliminate arsenic by forming a complex, but adverse effects limited their pharmacological use. More recently, plant-based products have been found to provide significant relief from the toxic effects of arsenic poisoning. They act by different mechanisms affecting various cellular processes. Phytoconstituents such as curcumin, quercetin, diallyl trisulfide, thymoquinone, and others act via various molecular pathways, primarily by attenuating oxidative damage, membrane damage, DNA damage, and proteinopathies. Nonetheless, most of the phytochemicals reviewed here protect against the adverse effects of metal or metalloid exposure, supporting their consideration as alternatives to chelation therapy. These agents, if used prophylactically and in conjunction with other chemotherapeutic agents, may provide an effective approach for management of arsenic toxicity. In a few instances, such strategies like coadministration of phytochemicals with a known chelating agent have led to more pronounced elimination of arsenic from the body with lesser off-site adverse effects. This is possible because combination treatment ensures the use of a reduced dose of chelating agent with a phytochemical without compromising treatment. Thus, these therapies are more practical than conventional therapeutic agents in ameliorating arsenic-mediated toxicity. This review summarizes the potential of phytochemicals in alleviating arsenic toxicity on the basis of available experimental and clinical evidence.

Intervention Study of Dictyophora Polysaccharides on Arsenic-Induced Liver Fibrosis in SD Rats

Long-term arsenic (As) exposure can cause liver injury, hepatic cirrhosis, and cancer. Meanwhile, Dictyophora polysaccharides (DIP) have excellent antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and immune protection effects. There are currently few reports on the protection effects of DIP on As-induced hepatotoxicity and its pharmacological value. Therefore, this study was aimed at elucidating the protection of DIP on As-induced hepatotoxicity and exploring its preventive role in antifibrosis. In our study, the SD rat As poisoning model was established by the feeding method to explore the influence of As exposure on liver fibrosis. Then, DIP treatment was applied to the rats with As-induced liver fibrosis, and the changes of serum biochemical indexes and liver tissue pathology were observed. And the expression of fibrosis-related proteins TGF-β1, CTGF, and α-SMA levels was then determined to explore the DIP intervention function. The results demonstrated that through reduced pathological changes of hepatic and increased serum AST, ALT, TP, ALB, and A/G levels, DIP ameliorated liver fibrosis induced by As as reflected. And the administration of DIP decreased the concentration of HA, LN, PCIII, CIV, TBIL, and DBIL. In addition, the synthesis of TGF-β1 inhibited by DIP might regulate the expression of CTGF and decrease the proliferation of fibrinogen and fibroblasts, which reduced the synthesis of fibroblasts to transform into myofibroblasts. And a decrease of myofibroblasts downregulated the expression of α-SMA, which affected the synthesis and precipitation of ECM and alleviated the liver fibrosis caused by exposure to As. In conclusion, based on the pathological changes of liver tissue, serum biochemical indexes, and related protein expression, DIP can improve the As-induced liver fibrosis in rats and has strong medicinal value.

Curcumin Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Hepatotoxicity Via Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Modulating iNOS, NF-κB, and TNF-α in Rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the widely used anti-tumor drugs. However, DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) and hepatotoxicity (DIH) are among the side effects that limited its therapeutic efficiency and clinical applicability. This study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective and hepatoprotective potentials of curcumin (CMN)-a bioactive polyphenolic compound-in alleviating DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) and hepatotoxicity (DIH) in male rats. A single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of DOX (20 mg/kg) was used to induce DIC and DIH. DOX-intoxicated rats were co-treated with CMN (100 mg/kg, oral) for 10 days before and 5 days after a single dose of DOX. We studied the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities of CMN on biochemical and immunohistochemical aspects. DOX disrupted cardiac and hepatic functions and stimulated oxidative stress and inflammation in both tissues that was confirmed biochemically and immunohistochemically. DOX enhanced inflammatory interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and upregulated immunoexpression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). DOX induced structural alterations in both cardiac and hepatic tissues. CMN demonstrated cardioprotective potential through reducing cardiac troponin I (cTn1) and aspartate amino transaminase (AST). In addition, CMN significantly ameliorated liver function through decreasing alanine amino transaminase (ALT) and, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). CMN demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential through decreasing IFN-γ levels and immunoexpression of iNOS, NF-κB, and TNF-α. Histopathologically, CMN restored DOX-associated cardiac and liver structural alterations. CMN showed anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potentials in both the cardiac and hepatic tissues. In addition, cTn1, IFN-γ, and AST could be used as blood-based biomarkers.

Ellagic Acid Alleviates Oxidative Stress by Mediating Nrf2 Signaling Pathways and Protects against Paraquat-Induced Intestinal Injury in Piglets

The gastrointestinal tract is a key source of superoxide so as to be one of the most vulnerable to oxidative stress damage. Ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenol displays widely biological activities owing to its strong antioxidant properties. Here, we investigated the protective benefits of EA on oxidative stress and intestinal barrier injury in paraquet (PQ)-challenged piglets. A total of 40 weaned piglets were randomly divided into five groups: Control, PQ, 0.005% EA-PQ, 0.01% EA-PQ, and 0.02% EA-PQ. Piglets were intraperitoneally injected with 4 mg/kg (BW) PQ or saline on d-18, and sacrificed on d-21 of experiment. EA treatments eliminated growth-check induced by PQ and increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity but decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level as compared to PQ group. EA supplementation promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and enhanced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) protein abundances of small intestinal mucosa. Additionally, EA improved PQ-induced crypt deepening, goblet cells loss, and villi morphological damage. Consistently, EA increased tight junction protein expression as was evident from the decreased serum diamine oxidase (DAO) levels. EA could ameliorate the PQ-induced oxidative stress and intestinal damage through mediating Nrf2 signaling pathway. Intake of EA-rich food might prevent oxidative stress-mediated gut diseases.

Protective Effect of Dictyophora Polysaccharides on Sodium Arsenite-Induced Hepatotoxicity: A Proteomics Study

The purpose of this study is to understand the mechanism of sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂)-induced apoptosis of L-02 human hepatic cells, and how Dictyophora polysaccharide (DIP) protects L-02 cells from arsenic-induced apoptosis. The results revealed that DIP pretreatment inhibited NaAsO₂ induced L-02 cells apoptosis by increasing anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression and decreasing pro-apoptotic Bax expression. Proteomic analysis showed that arsenic treatment disrupted the expression of metabolism and apoptosis associated proteins, including ribosomal proteins (RPs). After pretreatment with DIP, the expression levels of these proteins were reversed or restored. For the first time, it was observed that the significant decrease of cytoplasmic RPs and the increase of mitochondrial RPs were related to human normal cell apoptosis induced by arsenic. This is also the first report that the protective effect of DIP on cells was related to RPs. The results highlight the relationship between RPs and apoptosis, as well as the relationship between RPs and DIP attenuating arsenic-induced apoptosis.

Chrysin attenuates sodium arsenite-induced nephrotoxicity in rats by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation

BACKGROUND

We aimed to study the beneficial property of chrysin (CHR) by targeting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on nephrotoxicity induced by sodium arsenite (SA).

MATERIALS & METHODS

We have used the 35 male Wistar rats in five equal groups (n = 7). Normal saline in (5 ml/kg; p.o.; 21 days) was given to the control group. Sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg; p.o.; 14 days) was given to the SA group. CHR (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg; p.o.; 21 days) and SA (10 mg/kg; p.o.; 14 days from the 7th day of the experiment) was given to the SA + CHR 25, 50 and 100 groups. On the 22nd day of the experiment, the animals' bloods and kidneys were taken, and then we have performed functional, biochemical and histological assessment.

RESULTS

CHR pre- and alongside administration (more potently at dose of 100 mg/kg) with SA reduced the SA-induced alterations in serum creatinine and blood urine nitrogen levels. Increased levels of protein carbonyl, myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in kidney tissue were decreased by CHR treatment. CHR administration increased the levels of glutathione and activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase in renal tissue. Moreover, treatment with CHR reduced the levels of inflammatory mediators including interleukin 1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha in renal tissue. The renal histological lesions induced SA were mitigated by CHR treatment in dose dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

The results of present study suggested that administration of CHR before and alongside with SA attenuated the renal toxic effects of SA via antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of crocin against doxorubicin-induced myocardial toxicity in rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a well-known chemotherapeutic drug for most malignancies including breast cancer and leukemia whilst the usage of DOX is limited owing to its cardiotoxicity. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of crocin on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups: (a) control [received normal saline as a dose of 1 ml/kg by intraperitoneal injection (ip) for 15 days], (b) crocin (received crocin as a dose of 40 mg/kg/24h by ip for 15 days), (c) DOX (received DOX as a dose of 2 mg/kg/48h by ip in six injection, cumulative dose 12 mg/kg), and (d) DOX+crocin (received DOX as a dose of 2 mg/kg/48h by ip in six injection, and crocin as a dose of 40 mg/kg/24h i.p for 15 days). As compared to the controls, the results showed that DOX administration caused significant increases in lipid indices [triglyseride (TG), low-dencity lipoproteins (LDL) (p<0.001), and very low-dencity lipoproteins (VLDL) (p<0.005)], oxidative stress parameters [malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) (p<0.001)] and cardiac markers [creatine kinase-muscle/brain (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) (p<0.001)]. Besides, significant decreases in antioxidant defense systems [glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant status (TAS) (p<0.001)] were observed. The present study also demonstrated that co-administration of crocin with DOX significantly ameliorated the lipid profile (p<0.005), cardiac markers (p<0.005), and oxidative stress indices (p<0.001) as compared to DOX group. Histopathologically, significant increase in the mean histopathological damage score (MHDS) was found in the DOX group as compared to the controls (p<0.001). In contrast, the administration of crocin with DOX alleviated MHDS in myocardium (p<0.001). Taken together, our results reveal that crocin might be a cardioprotective agent in DOX-treated patients for cancer.

Recent Progress in Environmental Toxins-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Protective Potential of Natural Products

Humans are unconsciously exposed to environmental toxins including heavy metals as well as various pesticides, which have deleterious effects on human health. Accumulating studies pointed out that exposure to environmental toxins was associated with various cardiopathologic effects. This review summarizes the main mechanisms of cardiotoxicity induced by environmental toxins (cadmium, arsenic and pesticides) and discusses the potential preventive effects of natural products. These findings will provide a theoretical basis and novel agents for the prevention and treatment of environmental toxins-induced cardiotoxicity. Furthermore, the limitations of current studies, future needs and priorities are discussed.

Kolaviron: A Biflavonoid with Numerous Health Benefits

BACKGROUND

The increasing interests on the healing properties of medicinal plants have led to a paradigm shift from the use of synthetic drug to the search of natural medicines for the treatment and management of several diseases. Like other phenolics flavonoids have been continuously explored for their medicinal benefits, with their potent antioxidant activity being a major interest. Kolaviron (KVN) is a biflavonoid isolated from Garcinia kola Heckel, which has been reported for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties have been explored in several disease models including reproductive toxicity, cardiotoxicity, diabetes mellitus, gastrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was aimed to review the reported medicinal properties of KVN in order to provide some guidelines and direction to researchers on KVN research.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted with the aim of identifying peer-reviewed published data on KVN and their biological activities. Different academic and/or scientific search engines were utilized including but not limited to Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect and so on.

RESULTS

Among all the studied disease models obtained from the literatures, the effect of KVN on reproductive toxicity was the most studied as it represented 25% of all the studies, followed by neuroprotective, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective activities of Kolaviron. From our identified studies, KVN has been shown to have antidiabetic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hematoprotective, nephroprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective activities. KVN also has effects on malaria and reproductive health, which can be explored for novel drug and nutraceutical developments for related ailments. Unfortunately, while toxicity data are lacking, most studies are limited to in vitro and/or in vivo models, which may impede translation in this area of research.

CONCLUSION

Based on data gathered from the literature search, it is evident that KVN possesses numerous health benefits, which can be attributed to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, more studies are required in this area of research to validate the medicinal value of kolaviron, which may positively influence the economic value of plant, Garcinia kola.

Ethanol extract of Vitellaria paradoxa (Gaertn, F) leaves protects against sodium arsenite - induced toxicity in male wistar rats

The inadvertent exposure to arsenic has been associated with diverse diseases such as cancers. Vitellaria paradoxa is a medicinal plant with antidiabetic and antiproliferative properties. Here, we assessed the ameliorative role of Ethanol Leaf extract of Vitellaria paradoxa (ELVp) in Sodium Arsenite (SA) - induced toxicity in rats after oral treatment for two weeks as follows: Group 1 (Control, distilled water), Group 2 (Vitamin E, 100 mg/kg), Groups 3 and 4 (ELVp, 100 & 200 mg/kg respectively), Group 5 (SA, 2.5 mg/kg), Group 6 (SA + Vit E) and Group 7 (SA + ELVp (100 mg/kg) and Group 8 (SA + ELVp (200 mg/kg). The results indicated that SA significantly increased liver and kidney function markers and elevated platelet, white blood cell (WBC) count and malondialdehyde levels in rats. Additionally, SA decreased Red Blood Cell (RBC), Hemoglobin (HGB) and Hematocrit (HCT) levels in rats (p < 0.05). Sodium arsenite caused mild expression of BCL-2 protein> NF-Kb = p53 in the kidney of rats. However, ELVp ameliorated SA-induced toxicity in the liver and kidney of rats with respect to these markers. Overall, ELVp has hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and apoptotic properties against sodium arsenite-induced toxicity.

Attenuation of sodium arsenite-induced cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity with the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects of hesperidin

In the scope of the study, the protective effect of hesperidin (HES), a flavanone glycoside, was investigated against sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂, SA) induced heart and brain toxicity. For this purpose, 35 Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 5 different groups, 7 in each group. Physiological saline was given to the first group. Dose of 200 mg/kg of HES to the second group, 10 mg/kg dose of SA to the 3rd group, 100 mg/kg HES and 10 mg/kg SA to the 4th group, 200 mg/kg HES, and 10 mg/kg SA to the 5th group were given orally for 15 days. At the end of the study, biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed on the heart and brain tissues of the rats. According to the results, SA increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels and decreased glutathione (reduced, GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in both tissues. Also, it increased cardiac lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB) activities and cardiac troponin-I level (cTn-I), cerebral acetylcholine esterase activity, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-one beta (IL-1β), and cysteine aspartate-specific protease-3 (caspase-3) levels. In addition, as a result of histopathological examination, it was determined that SA damaged tissue architecture, and as a result of immunohistochemical examination, it increased cardiac Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and cerebral glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. The results have also shown that HES co-treatment has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic effect on SA-induced toxicity and aids to protect tissue architecture by showing a regulatory effect on all values. Consequently, it was determined that HES co-treatment had a protective effect on SA-induced heart and brain toxicity in rats.

Mechanisms involved in the possible protective effect of chrysin against sodium arsenite-induced liver toxicity in rats

Arsenic as a one of the most important toxic metals could induce hepatotoxicity. Previous reports revealed the significance of oxidative stress in promoting of arsenic-induced liver toxicity. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the effect of chrysin (CHR), a natural flavonoid with potent antioxidant activity, against sodium arsenite (SA)-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group 1: received normal saline (2 ml/kg/day, orally for 21 days), Group 2: received SA (10 mg/kg/day, orally for 14 days), Group 3, 4 and 5: received CHR (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively, orally for 21 days) and SA (10 mg/kg/day, orally for 14 days) from the 7th day. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were evaluated. Moreover, liver glutathione peroxidase and myeloperoxidase activity as well as levels of protein carbonylation, malondialdehyde, glutathione, catalase, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β were evaluated. Moreover, histological evaluation was done. Our results revealed that treatment with CHR (more potentially at the dose of 100 mg/kg/day) before and alongside with SA significantly mitigated the SA-induced hepatotoxicity. Also, the hepatoprotective effect of CHR was verified by the histological evaluation of the liver. The results of current study demonstrated that CHR (100 mg/kg/day) could mitigate the oxidative stress and inflammation induced by SA in liver tissue.

Nephroprotective effects of chlorogenic acid against sodium arsenite-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Chronic exposure to arsenic (As) leads to serious renal disorders. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a phenolic compound, has several well known physiological benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study investigated the potential renoprotective effects of CGA on sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂ )-induced kidney damage in mice. The mice were randomly allocated into five groups to receive daily treatment with CGA (200 mg kg^-1 ), NaAsO₂ (5 mg kg^-1 ), NaAsO₂ + CGA (100 mg kg^-1 ), NaAsO₂ + CGA (200 mg kg^-1 ), or a control for 28 days.

RESULTS

In the NaAsO₂ -treated group, NaAsO₂ induced significant renal dysfunction, oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis, as demonstrated by marked increases in urea and creatinine levels accompanied by a decrease in the kidney index. Considerable increases in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels and parallel decreases in various antioxidant markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione) levels were also detected in the renal tissues of NaAsO₂ -treated mice. NaAsO₂ exposure was associated with marked increases in renal inflammatory markers (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α) and apoptosis indicators including Bax and caspase-3 levels contaminant, with a marked decrease in Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein, in the NaAsO₂ -treated group compared with the control group. However, pretreatment with CGA substantially mitigated the renal injury and dysfunction associated with NaAsO₂ exposure by reducing tissue inflammation and apoptosis and improving the antioxidant status. The CGA pretreatment also alleviated the NaAsO₂ -induced histological alterations in renal tissues.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our results suggest the efficacy of CGA in alleviating As-mediated renal tissue damage. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ellagic acid protects ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption

Osteoporosis is a devastating disease that features reduced bone quantity and microstructure, which causes fragility fracture and increases mortality, especially in the aged population. Due to the long-term side-effects of current drugs for osteoporosis, it is of importance to find other safe and effective medications. Ellagic acid (EA) is a phenolic compound found in nut galls, plant extracts, and fruits, and exhibits antioxidant and antineoplastic effects. Here, we showed that EA attenuated the formation and function of osteoclast dose-dependently. The underlying mechanism was further discovered by western blot, immunofluorescence assay, and luciferase assay, which elucidated that EA suppressed osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption mainly through attenuating receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand-induced NF-κB activation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathways, accompanied by decreased protein expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells calcineurin-dependent 1 and c-Fos. Moreover, EA inhibits osteoclast marker genes expression including Dc-stamp, Ctsk, Atp6v0d2, and Acp5. Intriguingly, we also found that EA treatment could significantly protect ovariectomy-induced bone loss in vivo. Conclusively, this study suggested that EA might have the therapeutic potentiality for preventing or treating osteoporosis.

Arsenic induces dose-dependent structural and ultrastructural pathological remodeling in the heart of Wistar rats

AIM

Arsenic, an environmental contaminant, represents a public health problem worldwide. Studies have shown its association with molecular mechanisms related to cardiomyocytes redox balance. However, the microstructure and ultrastructure of cardiac tissue, as well as the activity of its antioxidant defenses front of disturbances in the mineral bioavailability induced by arsenic are still scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate if arsenic exposure might induce structural and ultrastructural damages in cardiac tissue, including pathological remodeling of the parenchyma and stroma. Moreover, its impact on micromineral distribution and antioxidant enzymes activity in heart tissue was also evaluated.

MAIN METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups that received 0, 1 and 10 mg/L sodium arsenite in drinking water for eight weeks. The hearts were collected and subjected to structural and ultrastructural analysis, mineral microanalysis and antioxidant enzymes quantification. Functional markers of cardiac damages were evaluated using serum samples.

KEY FINDINGS

Arsenic exposure induced dose-dependent structural and ultrastructural remodeling of cardiac tissue, with parenchyma loss, increase of stroma components, collagen deposition, and pathological damages such as inflammation, sarcomere disorganization, mitochondria degeneration and myofilament dissociation. Moreover, this metalloid was bioaccumulated in the tissue affecting its micromineral content, which resulted in antioxidant imbalance and increased levels of oxidative stress and cardiac markers.

SIGNIFICANCE

Taken together, our findings indicate that the heart is a potential target to arsenic toxicity, and long-term exposure to this metalloid must be avoided, once it might induce several cardiac tissue pathologies.

Pretreatment with berberine protects against cisplatin-induced renal injury in male Wistar rats

Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, has been reported to be an antioxidant agent. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of BBR against nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin (Cis) in male rats. In this experimental study, 28 Wistar male rats were randomly divided into four groups. Rats were pretreated with BBR (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 7 consecutive days and Cis (7.5 mg/kg, i.p.) was administrated on the 7th day, 1 h after the last dose of BBR. Blood samples were collected to determine blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), protein carbonyl (PC), and nitric oxide (NO) levels and the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were assessed in the left renal tissue. Also, the mRNA expression of SOD2 and PGx1 was measured in the left renal tissue. The right kidney was used for histopathological evaluation. Our results revealed that the levels of Cr, BUN, MDA, NO, and PC and the MPO activity increased by Cis administration. Also, we found that Cis decreased renal GSH level and SOD, GPx, and CAT activities. Pretreatment with BBR for 7 consecutive days significantly attenuated the Cis-induced nephrotoxicity via increasing the antioxidant capacity and reducing the oxidative stress indices in the renal tissue. Moreover, the renoprotective effect of BBR was confirmed by the histopathological evaluation of the kidneys. Our results indicated that BBR has produced amelioration in biochemical indices and oxidative stress parameters against Cis-induced nephrotoxicity.

Ellagic Acid Prevents Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Histopathological Alterations in Acrylamide-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats

The present study was designed to investigate the changes in rat liver tissue after administration of acrylamide (ACR) and ellagic acid (EA). The latter compound was applied for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, 35 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five equal groups. These groups were normal saline (NS), ACR (20 mg/kg), ACR + EA (10 and 30 mg/kg EA), and EA (30 mg/kg). At the end of the experiment, the rats were decapitated. Biochemical and histopathological studies were conducted on liver and serum samples. ACR administration significantly decreased hepatic GSH level, SOD, GPx, and CAT activity when compared to the NS group. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), nitric oxide (NO), protein carbonyl (PC), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) levels increased as a result of ACR administration. Administration of EA (more potently at a dose of 30 mg/kg) resulted in a significant reversal of biochemical, inflammatory, and hepatic markers in ACR-intoxicated rats. These biochemical and inflammatory disturbances were supported by histopathological observations of the liver. Our results indicate that EA might be useful for the treatment of the hepatotoxicity induced by ACR via ameliorative effects on biochemical, oxidative stress, and inflammatory indices.

Role of thymoquinone and ebselen in the prevention of sodium arsenite-induced nephrotoxicity in female rats

The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ) and ebselen (Eb) on arsenic (As)-induced renal toxicity in female rats. Sodium arsenite was orally administrated at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight daily for 28 days, either alone or 1 h before TQ (10 mg/kg) or Eb (5 mg/kg) administration. Renal tissue As concentration and oxidative stress markers, including lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitrite/nitrate, and glutathione (GSH) levels, were determined. In addition to the oxidative stress response, antioxidant enzyme activities including that of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase were measured. Exposure to As elicited a significant increase in As concentration and significant modifications to the redox state of the kidney, as was evidenced by a significant elevation in LPO and nitrite/nitrate concentration, with a concomitant reduction in GSH content and antioxidant enzyme activity. The oxidant/antioxidant imbalance observed in As toxicity was associated with a significant elevation in renal tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein, and caspase 3 levels, in addition to a significant decrease in Bcl-2 levels. Post-administration of TQ and Eb markedly prevented As-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and As accumulation in the renal tissue and reduced histological renal damage. These findings demonstrate that TQ, the main bioactive phytochemical constituent of Nigella sativa seed oil, and Eb, an organoselenium compound, could significantly inhibit As-induced oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammation, and significantly attenuate the accumulation of As in renal tissues by facilitating As biomethylation and excretion.

Gallic acid ameliorates sodium arsenite-induced renal and hepatic toxicity in rats

Chronic exposure to toxic inorganic arsenic results in the adverse health effects including skin lesions, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurological disorders, and liver and kidney diseases. Gallic acid (GA) is an important phenolic compound, which could protect different tissues from oxidative stress induced damage. The present study investigated effects of GA against sodium arsenite (SA)-induced renal and hepatic toxicity. Thirty-five rats were randomly divided in to five groups; group 1 was treated with normal saline (2 ml/kg/day, p.o.; for 21 days); group 2 was exposed to SA (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.; for 14 days); groups 3 and 4 were treated with GA (10 and 30 mg/kg/day, respectively; for 7 days) prior to exposure to SA, and treatment was continued up to 21 days in parallel with SA administration; group 5 was treated with GA (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.; for 21 days). The level of MDA, IL-1β, NO and glutathione (GSH) and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were evaluated in kidney and liver tissues. Histopathological parameters and serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, Cr and BUN were also assessed. Treatment with GA remarkably improved SA-induced alteration of hematological and histopathological parameters; these protective effects were associated with the reduction of SA-induced elevation of MDA, IL-1β and NO levels as well as reduction of GSH level and GPx, SOD and CAT activity. Our results suggest that GA may inhibit SA-induced kidney and liver toxicity through scavenging reactive free radicals and increasing intracellular antioxidant capacity.

An integrated characterization of contractile, electrophysiological, and structural cardiotoxicity of Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep. in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND

Cardiotoxicity remains an important concern in drug discovery and clinical medication. Meanwhile, Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep. (S. tonkinensis) held great value in the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine, but cardiotoxic effects were reported, with matrine, oxymatrine, cytisine, and sophocarpine being the primary toxic components.

METHODS

In this study, impedance and extracellular field potential (EFP) of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) were recorded using the cardio non-labeled cell function analysis and culture system (Cardio-NLCS). The effects of matrine, oxymatrine, cytisine, and sophocarpine (2, 10, 50 μM) on cell viability; level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (CTn-I); antioxidant activities; production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA); and disruption of intracellular calcium homeostasis were also added into the integrated assessment.

RESULTS

The results showed that matrine and sophocarpine dose-dependently affected both impedance and EFP, while oxymatrine and cytisine altered impedance significantly. Our study also indicated that cardiotoxicity of matrine, oxymatrine, cytisine, and sophocarpine was related to the disruption of calcium homeostasis and oxidative stress. Four alkaloids of S. tonkinensis showed significant cardiotoxicity with dose dependence and structural cardiotoxicity synchronized with functional changes of cardiomyocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

This finding may provide guidance for clinical meditation management. Furthermore, this study introduced an efficient and reliable approach, which offers alternative options for evaluating the cardiotoxicity of the listed drugs and novel drug candidates.

Effect of gemfibrozil on cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin in male experimental rats

Cardiotoxicity is an adverse effect of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). Gemfibrozil (GEM) is a lipid-lowering drug with a number of biological properties such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Therefore, we decided to investigate the effect of GEM on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Twenty-eight adult male Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups as follows: Group I received normal saline (2 ml/kg) orally for 14 days, group II received DOX (2.5 mg/kg; in six injections; accumulative dose: 15 mg/kg) intraperitonially for 14 days, group III received DOX + GEM (100 mg/kg) orally for 14 days concomitantly with DOX administration, and group IV received GEM orally for 14 days. Lipid panel, various biochemical biomarkers, and histological observations were evaluated in serum and heart samples. According to our results, DOX significantly increased the levels of lipid panel (triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins cholesterol) as well as markers of cardiac dysfunction (Aspartate aminotransferase, Creatine kinase-muscle/brain, Lactate dehydrogenase and Cardiac Troponin I). Moreover, DOX significantly increased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in cardiac tissue. Furthermore, administration of DOX reduced the level of glutathione as well as the superoxide dismutase, catalase, and Glutathione peroxidase activities. DOX-treated rats showed significantly higher tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. GEM administration significantly attenuated the lipid panel and biochemical biomarkers in DOX-treated rats. Our results were confirmed by histopathological evaluations of the heart. Based on our findings, GEM is a promising cardioprotective agent in patients treated with DOX through mitigative effects on biochemical markers and oxidative stress indices.