Curcumin Alleviates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Modulating Apelin Expression

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Doxorubicin (Dox) cardiotoxicity is a major dose-limiting side effect.
• Preventive strategies are crucial for managing Dox-induced cardiac failure.
• Curcumin's antioxidant properties and effect on Apelin were investigated for cardioprotection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate curcumin's protective effect against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity.
• To assess curcumin's impact on Apelin expression in the context of Dox cardiotoxicity.
• To explore Apelin as a mediator in Dox-induced cardiac dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Wistar albino rats were divided into Control, DOX, CUR, and CUR+DOX groups.
• Doxorubicin (20 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally; curcumin (100 mg/kg) was given orally for 14 days prior.
• Cardiac function markers, biochemical assays, gene expression (Apelin, NF-κB), and histopathology were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Doxorubicin induced prolonged QT interval, elevated cardiac troponin, oxidative stress (↓SOD, ↑MDA), and decreased Apelin expression.
• Histopathology revealed degenerative changes and increased iNOS/nitrotyrosine in the DOX group.
• Curcumin treatment (CUR+DOX) reversed many Dox-induced changes, significantly increasing Apelin and decreasing NF-κB expression.

Conclusions:

• Apelin is a significant mediator in Doxorubicin cardiotoxicity and a potential therapeutic target.
• Curcumin demonstrates cardioprotective effects against Dox-induced damage, potentially via regulating Apelin.
• Curcumin may serve as an adjunct therapy for preventing Doxorubicin-related cardiomyopathies.