Prophylactic impacts of Lagenaria siceraria against cardiomyopathy induced by doxorubicin in a rat model

Abstract

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic drug applied clinically for the remedy of cancer, but its possibly life-threatening cardiotoxicity effects remain a concern. Aim: After that, this study evaluates the cardioprotective impacts of Lagenaria siceraria (LSS) oil on doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in rats. Methods: Wistar male rats (n= 28, weighting 190-210 g) were arbitrarily allocated into four equal groups. Group 1 (CTR) received normal saline orally (1 ml/kg); group 2 (DOX) received DOX (10 mg/kg); group 3 (DOLS) received DOX + 3g of Lagenaria siceraria seeds oil/kg and group 4 (LSSO) received Lagenaria siceraria seeds oil (3 g/kg) daily for 18 days. The serum samples were collected to determine the creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Troponin I activity. At the same time, the catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were assessed in heart tissues. Additionally, histopathological investigations for the heart tissue were performed. Results: Results revealed no significant change in CK-MB levels between the DOLS group compared to the CTR group (p>0.05). DOX group confirmed a substantial increase in AST, LDH, and Troponin1 serum levels compared to DOLS and LLSO groups (p<0.05). The study demonstrated the antioxidant activity of LSS oil against DOX-induced toxicity. The DOX group significantly reduced GSH and catalase levels, with an increase in MDA levels compared to DOLS and LLSO groups. Histopathological analysis showed protective properties of LSS oil against myocardial damage caused by DOX. Conclusion: This study highlights the favourable impacts of Lagenaria siceraria oil in mitigating DOX-triggered cardiotoxicity in a rat model.