Cardioprotective Effect of Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley (Cucurbitaceae) Fruit Juice on Doxorubicin Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Problem statement: The cardio toxicity of Doxorubicin (Dox) has limited its use as an anticancer drug. The aim of present study was to investigate the cardio protective effect of Lagenaria Siceraria (Cucurbitaceous) Fruit Juice (LSFJ) against the cardio toxicity of Dox in rats. Approach: Male wistar rats (250-300 g) were randomly divided into four groups. Group I- was control, Group II- Dox (10 mg kg^-1), groups III and IV- Dox + LSFJ (5 and 10 mL kg^-1 for 18 days). Dox (10 mg kg^-1 iv) was administered in group II, III and IV on day 16. After anesthetizing the animals on the 18th day, Electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded and blood was investigated for Creatine Kinase-MB is enzyme (CK-MB), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) while determination of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Lipid Per Oxidation (LPO) and histopathology was carried out for heart. Results: Group 3 and 4 of animals showed decreased QT interval (p<0.05) and was non significant in ST interval and heart rate compared to Group 2. Significant decrease in serum CK-MB and AST of group 3 (p<0.05) and group 4(p<0.01) of animals was observed as compared to group II. In group 4 significant increase in the level of GSH (p<0.01) and decrease in MDA content (p<0.001) was observed as compared to group 2, whereas SOD was non-significant. Histopathological study of LSFJ10 mL kg^-1 treated group showed protection against myocardial toxicity induced by doxorubicin. Conclusion: It is concluded that Lagenaria siceraria fruit juice possessed cardio protective effect at dose of 10 mL kg^-1 against doxorubicin induced cardio toxicity in rats.