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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
A Doxorubicin-induced Cardiomyopathy Model in Adult Zebrafish
Published on: June 7, 2018
Effect of flavonoids on daunorubicin-induced toxicity in H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts
Gabriela Mojzisová1, Marek Sarisský, Ladislav Mirossay
1Department of Experimental Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of P. J. Safarik Kosice, Slovak Republic. gabriela.mojzisova@upjs.sk
Abstract:
Daunorubicin (DNR) is one of the most important antitumor agents belonging to the anthracycline group. However, its use is seriously limited by the development of cardiac toxicity. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of quercetin, pycnogenol and naringenin on daunorubicin-induced cytoxicity in H9c2 cells. Protection of H9c2 cardiomyocyte cells was concentration/dose dependent for quercetin > naringenin > pycnogenol = trolox. Quercetin (10(-4)-10(-5) mol/L) after 24 h of co-incubation with DNR significantly increased the cardiomyocyte survival (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). A protective effect of other compounds was observed only in the highest concentration/dose used (p < 0.01). After 48 h of incubation quercetin and naringenin significantly decreased daunorubicin-induced cell death at concentrations of 10(-4)-10(-5) mol/L (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). The protective effect of pycnogenol and trolox was weaker but significant in the two highest concentrations/doses (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). This study also investigated DNR-induced apoptosis and it was shown that both quercetin and naringenin inhibit apoptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes cells in vitro. The findings provide evidence that quercetin and naringenin may act as survival factors. The protective effect of flavonoids was compared with that of trolox, a known cardioprotective antioxidant. These results are consistent with the notion that the use of flavonoids may be beneficial in modulating or preventing the cardiotoxicity associated with DNR therapy.
Insights
Quercetin and naringenin protect heart cells from daunorubicin toxicity. These flavonoids, along with pycnogenol, show promise in preventing chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Daunorubicin (DNR) is a vital anthracycline chemotherapy agent.
- DNR use is limited by significant cardiac toxicity.
- Identifying cardioprotective agents is crucial for cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of quercetin, pycnogenol, and naringenin against DNR-induced cardiotoxicity.
- To compare the efficacy of these compounds with trolox, a known antioxidant.
- To investigate the impact on DNR-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells.
Main Methods:
- H9c2 cardiomyocyte cell line exposed to DNR.
- Co-incubation with varying concentrations of quercetin, pycnogenol, naringenin, and trolox.
- Assessment of cell viability and apoptosis markers.
Main Results:
- Quercetin and naringenin demonstrated significant dose-dependent protection against DNR toxicity at 24 and 48 hours.
- Pycnogenol and trolox showed weaker but significant protective effects at higher doses.
- Quercetin and naringenin were found to inhibit DNR-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells.
Conclusions:
- Quercetin and naringenin exhibit potent cardioprotective effects against daunorubicin.
- Flavonoids may serve as survival factors, mitigating chemotherapy-induced cardiac damage.
- Flavonoids show potential for preventing or managing DNR-associated cardiotoxicity.
