Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used to treat various cancers, but its cardio-toxicity restricts its therapeutic application. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of continuous aerobic training (CAT) and administration of crocin (Cr) on the apoptotic index and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes on the DOX-induced cardio-toxicity of rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 50 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including control, DOX, DOX + CAT, DOX + Cr, and DOX + CAT + Cr groups. Continuous aerobic training consisted of 60 minutes of running with the intensity of 40% - 60% of maximum speed (5 days/week). Apoptotic index and the expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 genes were determined in the heart tissue. Results: Doxorubicin significantly increased Bax gene expression in the heart tissue of animals (P < 0.001). In contrast, Bcl-2 gene expression significantly decreased (P < 0.001). In all experimental groups, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the percentage of the terminal deoxynucleotidal transferase-mediated biotin-deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells were significantly diminished compared to the DOX-intoxicated animals. Among experimental groups, CAT had more antiapoptotic effects against DOX-induced cardiac toxicity. Conclusions: Continuous aerobic training and Cr, alone or in combination, could attenuate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing apoptosis in the rats.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.