Piperine Protects Against Arsenic Trioxide-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats: A Biochemical and Electrocardiography...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Arsenic trioxide is effective against acute promyelocytic leukemia but causes cardiotoxicity.
• Investigating cardioprotective agents is crucial for safe arsenic trioxide use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cardioprotective effect of piperine against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity in a rat model.
• To assess piperine's impact on cardiac biomarkers, oxidative stress, and ECG parameters.

Main Methods:

• Rats received oral arsenic trioxide (4 mg/kg) for 30 days to induce cardiotoxicity.
• Piperine (20 mg/kg) was administered orally to assess its protective effects.
• Evaluations included cardiac biomarkers, oxidative stress markers, and electrocardiography (ECG).

Main Results:

• Arsenic trioxide elevated cardiac enzymes (CK-MB, LDH) and caused ECG abnormalities (prolonged QT/QTc, reduced heart rate).
• Significant myocardial oxidative impairment (increased TBARS, decreased SOD/Catalase) and inflammation (increased IL-6) were observed.
• Piperine treatment reduced cardiac enzyme levels, normalized ECG parameters, and mitigated oxidative damage and inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Piperine (20 mg/kg) demonstrated significant cardioprotective effects against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.
• This study is the first to combine serum biomarkers and ECG analysis to confirm piperine's cardioprotective role.
• Piperine may hold clinical relevance for mitigating arsenic trioxide cardiotoxicity.