Protocatechuic Acid Ethyl Ester Protects Against Doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Cardiology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Doxorubicin (chemotherapy drug) can cause heart damage (cardiotoxicity).
• Protocatechuic acid ethyl ester (PAEE) is a natural compound with antioxidant properties.
• PAEE's potential to counteract doxorubicin's cardiotoxicity was investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective effects of PAEE against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in an animal model.
• To assess PAEE's impact on cardiac function, serum biomarkers, and heart tissue.

Main Methods:

• Male Wistar rats were pretreated with PAEE (50, 75, 150 mg/kg) for 14 days.
• Cardiotoxicity was induced by a single doxorubicin injection on day 10.
• Evaluated ECG, serum enzymes (AST, LDH, CK-MB), oxidative stress markers (MDA, FRAP), and heart histology.

Main Results:

• PAEE prevented doxorubicin-induced heart rate changes and R-R interval reduction.
• Higher PAEE doses (75, 150 mg/kg) improved cardiac injury markers and heart weight.
• PAEE significantly reduced LDH, AST, CK-MB, MDA, and improved FRAP, with notable histopathological improvements at 150 mg/kg.

Conclusions:

• PAEE demonstrates significant potential in mitigating doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.
• The cardioprotective effects are likely mediated by reducing oxidative stress.
• PAEE represents a promising therapeutic agent for preventing chemotherapy-related heart damage.