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Published on: May 16, 2020
Silymarin prevents adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats
Nagla A El-Shitany1, Sahar El-Haggar, Karema El-desoky
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt. Nagla_fouad@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Adriamycin is a potent anticancer agent, its clinical use is limited for its marked cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The present study aimed to investigate the possible protective role of the natural antioxidant silymarin on ADR-induced heart and kidney toxicity. Studies were performed on four groups of rats. 1--control group, 2--silymarin group (50 mg/kg), 3--adriamycin group (10 mg/kg), 4--adriamycin+silymarin group. On the third day after ADR injection, plasma was separated for determination of LDH, CPK, cholesterol and total lipids. 30 days after ADR injection, plasma was separated for determination of creatinine and urea levels. Frozen heart specimens (72 h) and frozen kidney specimens (30days) were used for estimation of lipid peroxides and GSH contents. Histopathological examinations of heart and kidney sections were also done. Pretreatment of ADR-treated rats with silymarin resulted in a significant decrease in the plasma CPK, LDH, creatinine and urea. On the other hand silymarin pretreatment did not change ADR-induced hyperlipidemia. Silymarin pretreatment significantly decreased the myocardial MDA contents. In addition, silymarin pretreatment normalized renal tissue contents of MDA and GSH. Histopathological examination of heart and kidney sections revealed that ADR caused only mild myocardial injury in silymarin pretreated rats. Also, silymarin pretreatment inhibited ADR-induced renal tubular damage in rats. These results have suggested that, silymarin ameliorated ADR-induced cardiotoxicity and protected against ADR-induced nephrotoxicity in male albino rats. The mechanisms of silymarin induced protection against ADR-induced toxicities were proved to be due to inhibition of lipid peroxidation and protection against GSH depletion.
Insights
The natural antioxidant silymarin protects against Adriamycin-induced (ADR) heart and kidney toxicity in rats. Silymarin reduces ADR-induced damage by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and preserving glutathione levels.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Adriamycin (ADR) is a vital chemotherapy drug, but its use is limited by severe cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
- Natural antioxidants are explored for mitigating drug-induced organ damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of silymarin against Adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in a rat model.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of silymarin's protective action.
Main Methods:
- Four groups of male albino rats were used: control, silymarin-only, Adriamycin-only, and Adriamycin+silymarin.
- Biochemical markers (LDH, CPK, creatinine, urea, MDA, GSH) and histopathological examinations of heart and kidney tissues were assessed.
Main Results:
- Silymarin pretreatment significantly reduced plasma CPK, LDH, creatinine, and urea levels in Adriamycin-treated rats.
- Silymarin decreased myocardial MDA content and normalized renal MDA and GSH levels.
- Histopathology showed silymarin significantly inhibited Adriamycin-induced myocardial and renal tubular damage.
Conclusions:
- Silymarin demonstrates significant protective effects against Adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats.
- The protective mechanisms involve the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the preservation of glutathione levels.
