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Updated: Aug 5, 2025
A Doxorubicin-induced Cardiomyopathy Model in Adult Zebrafish
Published on: June 7, 2018
Glycine protects against doxorubicin-induced heart toxicity in mice
Mayada I Shosha1, Fawzia Z El-Ablack1, Entsar A Saad2
1Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Damietta, 34517, Egypt.
Abstract:
Doxorubicin (DOXO) is a well-known cancer chemotherapeutic. However, its toxic effect on the heart limits its clinical application. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of glycine administration to counteract the DOXO-induction of cardiomyopathy in mice. Fifty male albino mice were divided into five groups (n = 10/group) as follows: control, DOXO, Gp100, Gp150, and Gp200. Histopathological examination of the heart, and biochemical examinations for heart function (creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 10 (IL-10)), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, nitric oxide (NO), and uric acid), kidney function (urea and creatinine), and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium) were carried out. Cardiomyopathy induced by DOXO treatment (15 mg/kg total dose) was ascertained via pathological alterations seen in heart tissue and verified biochemically via increases (P < 0.001) in CPK, LDH, AST, TNF-α, IL-10, MDA, NO, Na, and K levels along with decreases (P < 0.001) in GSH, SOD, catalase, and uric acid. Glycine co-treatment, using doses of 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg, in a dose-dependent manner, displayed ameliorated heart architecture, significantly (P < 0.001) improved biochemical heart function tests, reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, and controlled mineral levels. The positive actions of glycine in DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity amelioration via modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and immunity are confirmed. Glycine antioxidative properties may be behind its positive outcomes. Finally, we present glycine as a worthy possible option against DOXO-induced heart damage after more validation.
Insights
Glycine effectively counteracts doxorubicin (DOXO)-induced heart damage in mice by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This study highlights glycine as a potential protective agent against chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Doxorubicin (DOXO) is a vital chemotherapy agent, but its clinical use is limited by cardiotoxicity.
- Chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy is a significant concern, necessitating protective strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate glycine's efficacy in preventing doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in a mouse model.
- To investigate the biochemical and histopathological mechanisms underlying glycine's protective effects.
Main Methods:
- Fifty male albino mice were divided into five groups: control, DOXO, and DOXO with three different glycine doses (100, 150, 200 mg/kg).
- Assessments included heart histopathology, and biochemical analyses of cardiac function markers (CPK, LDH, AST), inflammation (TNF-α, IL-10), oxidative stress (MDA, GSH, SOD, catalase, NO, uric acid), kidney function, and mineral levels.
Main Results:
- DOXO treatment induced significant cardiac damage, evidenced by pathological alterations and elevated CPK, LDH, AST, TNF-α, IL-10, MDA, NO, Na, and K levels.
- Glycine co-administration, in a dose-dependent manner, significantly ameliorated heart architecture and improved biochemical markers.
- Glycine treatment reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, and normalized mineral levels.
Conclusions:
- Glycine effectively mitigates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice.
- The protective effects of glycine are attributed to its ability to modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune responses.
- Glycine demonstrates potential as a therapeutic option to prevent or reduce heart damage associated with doxorubicin chemotherapy.
