Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Aggravation of Myocardial Ischemia upon Particulate Matter Exposure in Atherosclerosis Animal Model
Published on: December 10, 2021
Attenuation of arsenic trioxide induced cardiotoxicity through flaxseed oil in experimental rats
Mathews V Varghese1, M Abhilash1, Manju Alex1
1a School of Biosciences , Mahatma Gandhi University , Kottayam , India.
Objectives:
Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is a potent drug for acute promyelocytic leukaemia, but its clinical trials are allied with some serious adverse events mainly cardiac functional abnormalities. So the objective of our investigation is to identify the cardioprotective action of flaxseed oil (FSO), a natural compound against As2O3 induced cardiotoxicity.
Methods:
Male wistar rats were treated with As2O3 (4 mg/kg) to induce cardiotoxicity. FSO (250 and 500 mg/kg) was given in combination with As2O3 for evaluating its cardioprotective efficacy.
Results:
Treatment with As2O3 resulted in deposition of arsenic in heart tissue, increased cardiac marker enzymes release, lipid peroxidation (LPO), oxidative insults and pathological damages in the heart. Co-treatment with FSO (500 mg/kg) significantly reduced the arsenic accumulation, cardiac marker enzymes, LPO and cardiac structural alterations. FSO treatment significantly improved cardiac glutathione content, antioxidant enzymes and reduced the pathological damages in cardiac tissue. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the major fatty acid content in the FSO is alpha-linolenic acid, which has a strong milieu in cardiac health.
Conclusion:
The results of the current investigation suggested that FSO is an effective agent in reducing arsenic-induced cardiac toxicity and can be used as an adjunct/dietary supplement for the cancer patients on As2O3 therapy.
Insights
Flaxseed oil (FSO) effectively protects against arsenic trioxide (As2O3) induced heart damage by reducing arsenic accumulation and oxidative stress. This natural compound shows promise as a dietary supplement for cancer patients undergoing As2O3 therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is crucial for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia but can cause cardiotoxicity.
- Cardiac functional abnormalities are a significant adverse event associated with As2O3 treatment.
- Investigating natural compounds for cardioprotective effects against drug-induced toxicity is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cardioprotective potential of flaxseed oil (FSO) against As2O3-induced cardiotoxicity.
- To determine if FSO can mitigate the adverse cardiac effects of As2O3 treatment.
- To identify the mechanisms underlying FSO's cardioprotective action.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were administered As2O3 (4 mg/kg) to induce cardiotoxicity.
- Rats were co-treated with FSO (250 and 500 mg/kg) to assess its protective efficacy.
- Cardiac markers, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, arsenic levels, and histopathology were analyzed.
Main Results:
- As2O3 treatment led to arsenic deposition, elevated cardiac enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and heart damage.
- Co-administration of FSO (500 mg/kg) significantly reduced arsenic accumulation and cardiac damage markers.
- FSO improved antioxidant status, reduced oxidative stress, and ameliorated pathological alterations in cardiac tissue.
Conclusions:
- Flaxseed oil demonstrates significant cardioprotective effects against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity.
- FSO, rich in alpha-linolenic acid, can be a valuable adjunct or dietary supplement for patients on As2O3 therapy.
- Further research into FSO as a cardioprotective agent in clinical settings is warranted.
