Cardioprotective Effect of Phenytoin on Doxorubicin-induced Cardiac Toxicity in a Rat Model

Alleviation of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rat by mesenchymal stem cells and olive leaf extract via MAPK/ TNF-α pathway: Preclinical, experimental and bioinformatics enrichment study

BACKGROUND

Toxic cardiomyopathies were a potentially fatal adverse effect of anthracycline therapy.

AIM

This study was conducted to demonstrate the pathogenetic, morphologic, and toxicologic effects of doxorubicin on the heart and to investigate how the MAPK /TNF-α pathway can be modulated to improve doxorubicin-Induced cardiac lesions using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and olive leaf extract (OLE).

METHODS

During the study, 40 adult male rats were used. Ten were used to donate MSCs, and the other 30 were split into 5 equal groups: Group I was the negative control, Group II obtained oral OLE, Group III obtained an intraperitoneal cumulative dose of DOX (12 mg/kg) in 6 equal doses of 2 mg/kg every 48 h for 12 days, Group IV obtained intraperitoneal DOX and oral OLE at the same time, and Group V obtained intraperitoneal DOX and BM-MSCs through the tail vein at the same time for 12 days. Four weeks after their last dose of DOX, the rats were euthanized. By checking the bioinformatic databases, a molecularly targeted path was selected. Then the histological, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression of ERK, JNK, NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α were done.

RESULTS

Myocardial immunohistochemistry revealed severe fibrosis, cell degeneration, increased vimentin, and decreased CD-31 expression in the DOX-treated group, along with a marked shift in morphometric measurements, a disordered ultrastructure, and overexpression of inflammatory genes (ERK, NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α), oxidative stress markers, and cardiac biomarkers. Both groups IV and V displayed reduced cardiac fibrosis or inflammation, restoration of the microstructure and ultrastructure of the myocardium, downregulation of inflammatory genes, markers of oxidative stress, and cardiac biomarkers, a notable decline in vimentin, and an uptick in CD-31 expression. In contrast to group IV, group V showed a considerable beneficial effect.

CONCLUSION

Both OLE and BM-MSCs showed an ameliorating effect in rat models of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, with BM-MSCs showing a greater influence than OLE.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of crocin on the doxorubicin mediated hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

Doxorubicin (DXR) is widely used in cancer treatment. However, it has not yet been possible to prevent the side effects of DXR. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of crocin against DXR used in cancer treatment. For this reason; forty Wistar rats (male-250-300 g) were allocated into four groups (n = 10/group): Control, Crocin, DXR and DXR+Crocin. Control and Crocin groups were administered saline and crocin (40 mg/kg, i.p) for 15 days, respectively. DXR group, cumulative dose 12 mg/kg DXR, was administered for 12 days via 48 h intervals in six injections (2 mg/kg each, i.p). DXR+Crocin group, crocin (40 mg/kg-i.p) was administered for 15 days, and DXR was given as in the DXR group. The results revealed that serum liver markers (alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased significantly after DXR administration but recovered after crocin therapy. In addition, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) increased after DXR application and the antioxidative defense system (GSH, SOD, CAT) significantly decreased and re-achieved by crocin treatment. Our results conclude that crocin treatment was related to ameliorated hepatocellular architecture and reduced hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation in rats with DXR-induced hepatotoxicity.

Apigenin-coated gold nanoparticles as a cardioprotective strategy against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in male rats via reducing apoptosis

Aims

Cardiotoxicity is associated with doxorubicin (DOX), an effective anticancer drug. Apigenin has cardioprotective properties; it may be employed as a capping and reducing agent in synthesizing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This study examined the cardioprotective impact of AuNPs synthesized with apigenin (Api) in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC).

Main methods

Api-AuNPs were synthesized in a single pot without needing additional reagents for reducing gold ions or stabilizing the NPs. The cytotoxicity of Api-AuNPs on H9c2 heart cells was subsequently determined using the MTT assay. In the animal investigation, 40 male rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control, cardiotoxicity (DOX), DOX treated with apigenin (DOX + Api), or DOX treated with Api-AuNPs (DOX + Api-AuNPs). To examine heart function, echocardiography was conducted. Blood samples were obtained to evaluate injury indicators (Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), Cardiac Troponin I (cTn-I), Alanine transaminase (ALT), and Aspartate transaminase (AST)). The heart was removed under general anesthetic, weighed, and preserved in formalin solution. Six micrometer-thick cardiac tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin, eosin (H&E), and immunohistochemistry to identify cardiomyocyte apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase3).

Key findings

Api-AuNPs have an average size of 21.4 ± 11.6 nm and are stable in physiological environments. Api-AuNPs therapy substantially reduced body and heart weight loss compared to the DOX group. Injury indicators were reduced dramatically by Api-AuNPs treatment. Api-AuNPs inhibited myocardial apoptosis via modulating Bax, caspase3, and Bcl-2 and ameliorating tissue damage caused by DOX.

Significance

Api-AuNPs' anti-apoptotic activities provide cardioprotection against DIC. It has the potential to reduce cardiotoxicity and boost myocardial performance.

Synthesis, computational study and biological evaluation of 9-acridinyl and 1-coumarinyl-1,2,3-triazole-4-yl derivatives as topoisomerase II inhibitors

Topoisomerase (IIB) inhibitors have been involved in the therapies of tumour progression and have become a major focus for the development of anticancer agents. New three-component hybridised ligands, 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles (8-17), were synthesised via a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of 9-azidoacridine/3-azidocoumarin with N/O-propargyl small molecules under click reaction conditions. Cancer cell growth inhibition of the synthesised triazoles was tested against human cell-lines in the NCI-60-cell-panel, and the most active compounds tested against topoisomerase (IIB)-enzymes. The acridinyl ligands (8-10) revealed 60-97% cell growth inhibition in six cancer cell-panels. Cell-cycle analysis of MCF7 and DU-145 cells treated with the active acridinyl ligands exhibited cell-cycle arrest at G2/M phase and proapoptotic activity. In addition, compound 8 displayed greater inhibitory activity against topoisomerase (IIB) (IC50 0.52 µM) compared with doxorubicin (IC50 0.83 µM). Molecular dynamics simulation studies showed the acridine-triazole-pyrimidine hybrid pharmacophore was optimal with respect to protein-ligand interaction and fit within the binding site, with optimal orientation to allow for intercalation with the DNA bases (DG13, DC14, and DT9).

Ethanol extracts of Rhaponticum uniflorum (L.) DC flowers attenuate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity via alleviating apoptosis and regulating mitochondrial dynamics in H9c2 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Loulu flowers (LLF) is the inflorescence of Rhaponticum uniflorum (L.) DC. (R. uniflorum), a member of the Compositae family. This plant possesses heat-clearing properties, detoxification effects, and is therefore frequently used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of ethanol extracts of LLF against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity and explore the associated mechanisms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ethanol extracts of LLF were prepared and analyzed by LC-ESI-MS/MS. DOX-treated H9c2 cells and DOX-treated zebrafish models were used to explore the cardioprotective effect of ethanol extracts on myocardial function. The effects of LLF on DOX-induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells were investigated by MTT assay. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 were examined using fluorescent probes. The expression level of Bax, Bcl-2, PARP, caspase-3, cleaved-caspase3, caspase9, IκBα, p-IκBα, IKK, p-IKK, p65, p-p65, OPA1, Mfn1, MFF and Fis 1 and GAPDH was determined by western blotting.

RESULTS

Twenty-five compounds were detected in ethanol extracts of LLF, include Nicotinamide, Coumarin, Parthenolide, and Ligustilide. Pre-treatment with LLF attenuated the DOX-induced decrease in viability and ROS production in H9c2 cells. Moreover, LLF treatment maintained the mitochondrial membrane integrity and suppressed apoptosis by upregulating expression level of Bcl-2 and downregulating the expression level of Bax, cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-9 and cleaved-PARP. In addition, LLF significantly inhibited the DOX-induced activation of NF-κB signaling. Cells treated with DOX showed aberrant expression of mitochondrial dynamics related proteins, and these effects were alleviated by LLF pre-treatment. In conclusion, these results show that LLF can alleviate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by blocking NF-κB signaling and re-balancing mitochondrial dynamics.

CONCLUSION

Ethanol extracts of LLF is a potential treatment option to against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

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.

In Vivo and In Vitro Protective Effects of Rosmarinic Acid against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anticancer medicine that may trigger cardiomyopathy. Rosmarinic acid (RA) has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. This investigation assessed the cardioprotective effect of RA on DOX-induced-toxicity in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Male rats were randomized on 7 groups: (1) control, (2) DOX (2 mg/kg, per 48 h, 12d, i.p), (3) RA (40 mg/kg, 12d, i.p.), (4-6) RA (10, 20, 40 mg/kg, 16d, i.p.)+ DOX, (7) Vitamin E (200 mg/kg, per 48 h, 16d, i.p.) + DOX and then indices of cardiac function were estimated. Also, DOX and rosmarinic acid effects were examined on MCF7 cells (breast cancer cells line) to clarify that both cardiotoxicity and anticancer effects were analyzed. DOX increased heart to body weight ratio, RRI, QA, STI, QRS duration and voltage, attenuated HR, blood pressure, Max dP/dt, Min dP/dt, LVDP, enhanced MDA, declined GSH amount, and caused fibrosis and necrosis in cardiac tissue. Administration of RA ameliorated the toxic effects of DOX. In vitro studies showed that RA did not affect the cytotoxic effect of DOX. RA as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective compound could be a promising compound to help minimize DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Analysis of Models of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Rats and Mice. A Modern View From the Perspective of the Pathophysiologist and the Clinician

Today the pharmacological possibilities of treating cancer are expanding and as a result, life expectancy is increasing against the background of chemotherapy and supportive treatment. In the conditions of successful antitumor treatment, complications associated with its toxic effect on healthy tissues and organs began to come to the fore. Anthracycline cardiomyopathy was the first serious cardiovascular complication to draw the attention of oncologists and cardiologists around the world. Anthracycline drugs such as doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin are still widely used in oncological practice to treat a wide range of solid and hematological malignancies. Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy is closely associated with an increase in oxidative stress, as evidenced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) nduced damage such as lipid peroxidation, and decreased levels of antioxidants. Myofibrillar destruction and dysregulation of intracellular calcium are also important mechanisms, usually associated with doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Despite the abundance of data on various mechanisms involved in the implementation of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, a final understanding of the mechanism of the development of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy has not yet been formed. It poses the most significant challenges to the development of new methods of prevention and treatment, as well as to the unambiguous choice of a specific treatment regimen using the existing pharmacological tools. In order to resolve these issues new models that could reflect the development of the chemotherapy drugs effects are needed. In this review we have summarized and analyzed information on the main existing models of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy using small laboratory animals. In addition, this paper discusses further areas of research devoted to the development and validation of new improved models of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy suitable both for studying the mechanisms of its implementation and for the preclinical drugs effectiveness assessment.

Nimbolide prevents myocardial damage by regulating cardiac biomarkers, antioxidant level, and apoptosis signaling against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

The current work planned to assess the protecting properties of nimbolide against doxorubicin (DOX)-treated myocardial damage. Myocardial damage was produced with 2.5 mg/kg of DOX given on alternative days (14 days). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels of a lipid peroxidative marker were elevated, whereas reduced body weight, heart weight, blood pressure indices and reduced levels of antioxidants like glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, and glutathione reductase were observed in the heart tissue of DOX-treated animals. DOX-treated animals showed augmented levels of cardiac markers likes monocyte chemotactic protein-1, interferon-gamma, aspartate transferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-muscle/brain, heart-type fatty acid-binding protein, glycogen phosphorylase isoenzyme BB, transforming growth factor-β, brain natriuretic peptide, myoglobin, and cTnI in serum. Histopathological assessment confirmed the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Furthermore, DOX-induced rats showed augmented inflammatory mediators (nuclear factor-κB [NF-kB], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], and interleukin-1β [IL-1β]) and increased PI3K/Akt signaling proteins (PI3K, p-Bad/Bad, caspase-3, and p-Akt), whereas decreased oxidative markers (HO-1 and NQO-1) and p-PTEN were observed. Nimbolide-supplemented rats showed reduced activity/levels of cardiac markers and TBARS levels in serum and heart tissue. Levels of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants were augmented in the heart tissue of nimbolide-supplemented rats. Nimbolide influence decreased apoptosis, inflammation, and enhanced antioxidant markers through the modulation of p-Bad/Bad, caspase-3, PI3K, p-Akt, TNF-α, NF-kB, IL-1β, HO-1, NQO-1, and p-PTEN markers. The histopathological explanations were observed to be in line with biochemical analysis. Therefore, the finding of current work was that nimbolide has a defensive effect on the myocardium against DOX-induced cardiac tissue damage.

Phenytoin - An anti-seizure drug: Overview of its chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

Phenytoin is a long-standing, anti-seizure drug widely used in clinical practice. It has also been evaluated in the context of many other illnesses in addition to its original epilepsy indication. The narrow therapeutic index of phenytoin and its ubiquitous daily use pose a high risk of poisoning. This review article focuses on the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology of phenytoin, with a special focus on its mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and teratogenicity. The side effects on human health associated with phenytoin use are thoroughly described. In particular, DRESS syndrome and cerebellar atrophy are addressed. This review will help in further understanding the benefits phenytoin use in the treatment of epilepsy.

Evaluation of the Cardiac Protection Conferred by Proanthocyanidins in Grape Seeds against Development of Ehrlich Solid Tumors in Mice

Examination of the antineoplastic effects of a range of chemical compounds is often undertaken via the transplantable tumor model of Ehrlich solid tumor (EST), which is a simulation of breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore how cardiac toxicity, damage, oxidative stress, and changes in the expressions of TNFα and apoptotic P53 triggered by EST could be countered with grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPE). To that end, 50 female mice were used, with arbitrary and equal distribution into five groups, namely, the control group (G1), GSPE group (G2), EST group (G3), GSPE + EST (G4; cotreatment consisted of mice that received GSPE treatment at the beginning of EST induction over a period of 14 days), and EST + GSPE (G5; posttreatment consisted of mice with EST that received GSPE treatment for 14 days following the 14 days since the induction of EST). By comparison with the control group, the EST group had significantly higher levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), myoglobin, cardiac TBARS, nitric oxide (NO), total thiol and hydrogen peroxide, cardiac damage, and expression of P53 and TNFα. On the other hand, the EST group had significantly lower levels of cardiac catalase and total antioxidant (TAC) than the control group. Furthermore, better improvement in cardiac toxicity, oxidative stress, damage, apoptosis, and TNFα expressions was displayed by the cotreated (GSPE + EST) group than by the posttreated (EST + GSPE) group. This led to the conclusion that GSPE conferred cardiac protective and antioxidant effects against EST. This finding calls for more investigation on the benefits of grape seeds as adjuvant agents to prevent and treat cardiac toxicity.

Apigenin attenuates doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity via reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in male rats

AIMS

Doxorubicin, an antibiotic belonging to anthracycline family, has been used for treatment of malignancies. Cardiotoxicity is the main adverse effect of doxorubicin. Apigenin, as a flavonoid, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumoral properties. The aim of this study was the assessment of any protective effect of apigenin on cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin.

MAIN METHODS

40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, cardiotoxicity (DOX), apigenin treated group (DOX + Api 25) and apigenin group (Api 25). At the end of the experiment, the markers of cardiac function (%EF, %FS, LVIDs, LVIDd), cardiac and liver injury (LDH, CK-MB, cTn-I, ALT, and AST), cardiac apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase3), cardiac oxidative stress (SOD, GSH, MDA) and cardiac fibrosis were measured.

KEY FINDINGS

Apigenin improved cardiac functional parameters. The levels of cardiac and liver injury markers were significantly decreased in DOX + Api 25 compared to DOX. Treatment with apigenin caused significant decrease in percentage of cardiac fibrosis in comparison with DOX. Apigenin in DOX + Api 25 group led to significant decrease in apoptotic proteins (Casp3, Bax) and a significant increase in anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl2). In apigenin treatment groups, SOD levels significantly increased while a significant decrease was observed in MDA. The amount of GSH in DOX + Api 25 had no significant change in comparison to control and Api 25 groups.

SIGNIFICANCE

Apigenin reduced cardiac injuries induced by DOX through anti-fibrotic, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. It seems that apigenin prevents cardiac injuries and improves cardiac function.

Korean Red Ginseng attenuates type 2 diabetic cardiovascular dysfunction in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rats

Extracts of ginseng species show antihyperglycemic activity. We evaluated the inhibitory effects of diabetic complications for Korean Red Ginseng (KRG), which is enriched in ginsenosides using Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. The animals were divided into one of four groups (n = 6∼9): Long–Evans–Tokushima–Otsuka rats (control rats), OLETF rats, rats given 200 mg/kg KRG, and rats given 400 mg/kg KRG. We examined the protective potential of KRG against type 2 diabetic illnesses. The results exhibited that KRG showed significant antihyperglycemic and antioxidative effects in KRG-treated OLETF rats. And, our results proposed the amelioration of cardiac function through normalized ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and vascular reactivity. Furthermore, histopathological abnormalities in the OLETF rats were prevented by KRG treatment.

Rat Model of Cardiotoxic Drug-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Cardiotoxicity from cancer drugs remains a clinical problem. To find reliable markers of cardiotoxicity, animal models were proposed and potential new diagnostic markers have been actively investigated using these models. Here we describe our protocols, using male Sprague-Dawley rats, for inducing cardiomyopathy by single injection of high-dose doxorubicin (5-10 mg/kg) or multiple injections (2-4 times) of low-dose doxorubicin (2.5 mg/kg) with combined single injection of trastuzumab (10 mg/kg). The cardiotoxicity is evaluated by imaging modalities (echocardiography and nuclear imaging), serum troponin levels, and histopathological analyses.

Functional and Structural Assessment of the Effect of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Cardiomyopathy induced by doxorubicin (DOX) was recognized at an early stage and also several years after drug administration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have many properties that make them suitable for preventive and/or regenerative therapies. In this study, we evaluated the effect of MSCs in the functional and the structural improvement of DOX-induced cardiomyopathy in rats. Ninety adult male albino rats were randomly divided into three equal groups of thirty rats each: Group I (control): rats received normal saline. Group II (DOX- group): rats received DOX. Group III (DOX-MSCs group): rats received DOX for 2 weeks then human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs). Rats in all groups were evaluated for: physical condition, electrocardiography (ECG), and hemodynamic parameters. Serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and DNA fragmentation on heart tissue isolated DNA were estimated for evaluation of the mechanism and the extent of the damage. Hearts were examined histopathologically for detection of MSCs homing, structural evaluation, with counting of the collagen fibers for evaluation of fibrosis. DOX-administered rats showed significant functional and structural deterioration. DOX-MSCs treated rats (group III) showed improved functional and structural criteria with restoration of all biochemical indicators of cardiac damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) to normal, as well. In Conclusion, hUCB-MSCs significantly ameliorated the cardiotoxic manifestations as shown by biochemical, functional, and structural cardiac improvement. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3119-3129, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cardioprotective Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Chronic Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine the ability of grape seed extract (GSE) as a powerful antioxidant in preventing adverse effect of doxorubicin (DOX) on heart function. Methods: Male rats were divided into three groups: control, DOX (2 mg/kg/48h, for 12 days) and GSE (100 mg/kg/24h, for 16 days) plus DOX. Left ventricular (LV) function and hemodynamic parameters were assessed using echocardiography, electrocardiography and a Millar pressure catheter. Histopathological analysis and in vitro antitumor activity were also evaluated. Results: DOX induced heart damage in rats through decreasing the left ventricular systolic and diastolic pressures, rate of rise/decrease of LV pressure, ejection fraction, fractional shortening and contractility index as demonstrated by echocardiography, electrocardiography and hemodynamic parameters relative to control group. Our data demonstrated that GSE treatment markedly attenuated DOX-induced toxicity, structural changes in myocardium and improved ventricular function. Additionally, GSE did not intervene with the antitumor effect of DOX. Conclusion: Collectively, the results suggest that GSE is potentially protective against DOX-induced toxicity in rat heart and maybe increase therapeutic index of DOX in human cancer treatment.

Crocin treatment prevents doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity is well-known as a serious complication of chemotherapy in patients with cancer. It is unknown whether crocin (CRO), main component of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron), could reduce the severity of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the protective impact of CRO on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. The rats were divided into four groups: control, DOX (2mg/kg/48h, for 12days), and CRO groups that receiving DOX as in group 2 and CRO (20 and 40mg/kg/24h, for 20days) starting 4days prior to first DOX injection and throughout the study. Echocardiographic, electrocardiographic and hemodynamic studies, along with histopathological examination and MTT test were carried out. Our findings demonstrate that DOX resulted in cardiotoxicity manifested by decreased the left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic pressures, rate of rise/drop of LV pressure, ejection fraction, fractional shortening and contractility index, as compared to control group. In addition, histopathological analysis of heart confirmed adverse structural changes in myocardial cells following DOX administration. The results also showed that CRO treatment significantly improved DOX-induced heart damage, structural changes in the myocardium and ventricular function. In addition, CRO did not affect the in vitro antitumor activity of DOX. Taken together, our data confirm that CRO is protective against cardiovascular-related disorders produced by DOX, and clinical studies are needed to examine these findings in human.