Apigenin, Selenium, and Combinations Are Effective in Preventing 5-Fluorouracil Induced Cardiovascular Damage

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Chemotherapy, including 5-fluorouracil (5FU), is vital for cancer treatment but causes significant cardiovascular toxicity.
• Developing strategies to mitigate chemotherapy-induced side effects is crucial for patient well-being and treatment adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of apigenin and selenium, individually and in combination, against 5-fluorouracil (5FU)-induced cardiovascular toxicity in a rat model.

Main Methods:

• Rats were divided into groups receiving control, 5FU alone, apigenin + 5FU, selenium + 5FU, or apigenin + selenium + 5FU.
• Biochemical markers of oxidative stress (GSH, MDA), antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, TrxR), and apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3) were analyzed in cardiac and thoracic aorta tissues.
• Cardiovascular damage was assessed following 5FU administration.

Main Results:

• 5-fluorouracil (5FU) significantly induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and tissue damage in cardiac and thoracic aorta tissues, with greater impact on the heart.
• Both apigenin and selenium administration attenuated 5FU-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, thereby reducing cardiovascular damage.
• The combination of apigenin and selenium demonstrated superior cardioprotective effects against 5FU toxicity compared to individual treatments.

Conclusions:

• Apigenin and selenium exhibit significant protective effects against 5-fluorouracil (5FU)-induced cardiovascular toxicity.
• The combined administration of apigenin and selenium provides enhanced protection for the cardiovascular system against chemotherapy-induced damage.
• These findings suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for mitigating chemotherapy side effects.