Cardioprotective effects of curcumin and carvacrol in doxorubicin‐treated rats: Stereological study

Abstract

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a cardiotoxic drug. To reduce the harmful effects of DOX, two plant‐derived components, including curcumin (CUR) and carvacrol (CAR), were considered. This study aimed to assess the protective effects of CUR and CAR on DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity using physiological and stereological evaluations. Male rats were randomly allocated to six groups. Group's I‐VI received phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), CUR (100 mg kg−1 day−1), CAR (50 mg kg−1 day−1), DOX (4 mg kg−1 week−1), DOX‐CUR, and DOX‐CAR, respectively. On day 24, plasma troponin I and ECG were analyzed and the left ventricle underwent stereological assessment. The results showed a fivefold increase in troponin I in the DOX‐treated animals compared to the PBS ones. Additionally, heart rate and QRS amplitude, respectively, reduced by 18% and 31% and QT interval and QRS duration, respectively, increased by 41% and 24% in the DOX group in comparison with the PBS rats (p < .05). The total volume of the myocardium and vessels and the number of cardiomyocyte nuclei also, respectively, decreased by 30%, 45%, and 43% in the DOX group compared to the PBS animals (atrophy of the ventricular tissues, p < .01). Besides, the mean volumes of the connective tissue and cardiomyocytes, respectively, increased by 46% and 52% in the DOX group (p < .01). In the DOX‐CUR and DOX‐CAR groups, the changes were prevented extensively in comparison with the DOX group (p < .01). Co‐administration of CUR or CAR and doxorubicin for 24 days could improve the heart function and structural changes.

Shengxian decoction decreases doxorubicin‑induced cardiac apoptosis by regulating the TREM1/NF‑κB signaling pathway

“…STX also inhibited the DOX-induced decrease in heart rate. The decreased heart rate induced by DOX is also observed in the study by Jafarinezhad et al ( 41 ), which demonstrates increased serum troponin I, QT interval and QRS complex in rats treated with DOX. The increase of cardiac troponin I level following DOX treatment is a strong predictor of ventricular dysfunction and poor cardiac outcome both in rats and in patients ( 42 , 43 ).…”

Vanillin Prevents Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in Rat H9c2 Cardiomyocytes

“…Several plant-derived polyphenols have drawn attention in pharmaceutical field thanks to their ability to reduce oxidation species synthesis and accumulation in human body [ 5 , 20 , 21 , 52 , 53 ]. Recently, it was reported that curcumin is able to ameliorate the doxo cardiotoxic effect in vitro and in vivo [ 22 , 24 ]. However, curcumin potential clinical application both as chemotherapeutic and cardioprotective agent remains constrained due to its poor bioavailability and low aqueous solubility [ 30 , 33 ].…”

“…Recently, due to their well-known antioxidant properties, many attentions have been paid to the plant-derived polyphenols as a possible strategy in the prevention of doxo-induced cardiotoxicity [ 5 , 20 , 21 ]. Speaking of which, it has been reported that curcumin, a natural phenol abundant in turmeric, is able to ameliorate the doxo-induced cardiotoxic effect both in vitro and in vivo studies [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. The mechanisms by which curcumin acts as cardioprotective compound seems to be related to the attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation and associated cell death pathways [ 23 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”

Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Terpenes in Experimental Models (2010–2020): A Review

“…Carvacrol (5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol) ( Figure 3) is a phenolic monoterpene that has described pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial [26], anti-inflammatory [25], cardioprotective [53] antinociceptive, and gastroprotective [54]. To assess the intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of carvacrol, rats were subjected to intrarectal administration of acetic acid (5%) to induce colitis.…”