High Fructose Consumption May Increase 5-Fluorouracil - Induced Cardiotoxicity

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Toxicology

Background:

• 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapy agent with known cardiotoxic side effects.
• High fructose consumption is implicated in cardiovascular pathophysiology, potentially worsening drug-induced toxicities.
• The interaction between dietary fructose and 5-FU cardiotoxicity requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between high fructose consumption and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced cardiotoxicity.
• To determine if fructose intake potentiates the cardiac adverse effects of 5-FU.

Main Methods:

• Forty male Wistar albino rats were allocated into four groups: control, high fructose diet, 5-FU treatment, and 5-FU + high fructose diet.
• 5-FU was administered at 150 mg/kg on day 0 and day 39.
• Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography and electrocardiography, with histopathological analysis for cardiotoxicity evaluation.

Main Results:

• The 5-FU + high fructose diet group exhibited significantly greater decreases in ejection fraction (11%) and prolongations in QRS interval (15%) and corrected QT interval (11%) compared to the 5-FU group (P < 0.001).
• Histopathological examination revealed increased inflammatory cell infiltration, sarcomyolysis, and necrosis in the hearts of rats fed a high fructose diet alongside 5-FU (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• High fructose consumption significantly potentiates 5-Fluorouracil-induced cardiotoxicity.
• Dietary interventions, such as limiting fructose intake, may be crucial for mitigating chemotherapy-related cardiac adverse events.