Cardioprotective Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Chronic Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Toxicity in Wistar Rats.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine the ability of grape seed extract (GSE) as a powerful antioxidant in preventing adverse effect of doxorubicin (DOX) on heart function. Methods: Male rats were divided into three groups: control, DOX (2 mg/kg/48h, for 12 days) and GSE (100 mg/kg/24h, for 16 days) plus DOX. Left ventricular (LV) function and hemodynamic parameters were assessed using echocardiography, electrocardiography and a Millar pressure catheter. Histopathological analysis and in vitro antitumor activity were also evaluated. Results: DOX induced heart damage in rats through decreasing the left ventricular systolic and diastolic pressures, rate of rise/decrease of LV pressure, ejection fraction, fractional shortening and contractility index as demonstrated by echocardiography, electrocardiography and hemodynamic parameters relative to control group. Our data demonstrated that GSE treatment markedly attenuated DOX-induced toxicity, structural changes in myocardium and improved ventricular function. Additionally, GSE did not intervene with the antitumor effect of DOX. Conclusion: Collectively, the results suggest that GSE is potentially protective against DOX-induced toxicity in rat heart and maybe increase therapeutic index of DOX in human cancer treatment.

Crocin treatment prevents doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity is well-known as a serious complication of chemotherapy in patients with cancer. It is unknown whether crocin (CRO), main component of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron), could reduce the severity of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the protective impact of CRO on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. The rats were divided into four groups: control, DOX (2mg/kg/48h, for 12days), and CRO groups that receiving DOX as in group 2 and CRO (20 and 40mg/kg/24h, for 20days) starting 4days prior to first DOX injection and throughout the study. Echocardiographic, electrocardiographic and hemodynamic studies, along with histopathological examination and MTT test were carried out. Our findings demonstrate that DOX resulted in cardiotoxicity manifested by decreased the left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic pressures, rate of rise/drop of LV pressure, ejection fraction, fractional shortening and contractility index, as compared to control group. In addition, histopathological analysis of heart confirmed adverse structural changes in myocardial cells following DOX administration. The results also showed that CRO treatment significantly improved DOX-induced heart damage, structural changes in the myocardium and ventricular function. In addition, CRO did not affect the in vitro antitumor activity of DOX. Taken together, our data confirm that CRO is protective against cardiovascular-related disorders produced by DOX, and clinical studies are needed to examine these findings in human.

Cardioprotective Effect of Phenytoin on Doxorubicin-induced Cardiac Toxicity in a Rat Model.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer agent, but adverse cardiotoxic effects limit its use. Compounds reducing DOX cardiotoxicity could improve its therapeutic index. This study investigated the protective effects of phenytoin (Phen) for DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. Male Wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups to receive either saline, DOX (2 mg/kg per 48 hours, 6 doses, intraperitoneally) or DOX + Phen (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg/d, starting 4 days before DOX, intraperitoneally). The animals were assessed 24 hours after the last injection. Left ventricular (LV) function and hemodynamic parameters were assessed using transthoracic echocardiography, electrocardiography, and a Millar pressure catheter. Histopathological studies were performed, and the effect of Phen on the cytotoxicity of DOX was evaluated in vitro for the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line. DOX-impaired LV function significantly decreased the LV systolic and diastolic pressures, rate of rise/decrease of LV pressure, ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and contractility index. DOX caused structural changes in myocardial cells. Treatment with Phen decreased DOX-induced toxicity, significantly improved ventricular function, and ameliorated structural changes in the myocardium. Phen also did not interfere with the antitumor effect of DOX. The results confirm the cardioprotective effect of Phen against DOX-induced cardiomyopathy without removing antitumor effect of DOX.

Identification of Six Introns in a Partial Sequence of Echinococcus granulosus Paramyosin Gene.

OBJECTIVE: Paramyosin is a major protein produced by the metacestode cyst of Echinococcus granulosus, the causative agent of cystic hydatid disease. This protein has been shown to play an important role in modulating host immune responses. In this study, we attempted to characterize the noncoding sequence of the paramyosin gene. METHODS: Genomic DNA was isolated from G1 Iranian hydatid cysts. A DNA fragment of 3200 bp in length was amplified from the paramyosin gene. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product was cloned to the pTZ57T vector and sequenced by M13 primers and then compared with unique cDNA coding sequences of E. granulosus (Z21787) and Taenia solium (AY034087). RESULTS: Six introns I (107 bp), II (75 bp), III (47 bp), IV (921 bp), V (19 bp), and VI (456 bp) were identified in the partial sequence of the paramyosin gene. Some nucleotide changes were observed in three exons I, IV, and VI. CONCLUSION: This data could help scientists in better understanding the possible alternative splicing and designing a real-time PCR technique for the evaluation of the transcription levels of paramyosin in the stages of the Echinococcus sp. life cycle.

The effect of multivitamin supplements on continuation rate and side effects of combined oral contraceptives: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the effect of multivitamin use during the pill-free interval on the continuation rate and side effects of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) within the first few cycles of use. METHODS: In this trial, 332 women presenting to public health centres in an Iranian city each received a COC pack containing 21 pills and were randomised to one of three groups: two of the groups also received 42 multivitamin pills or 42 placebo pills to be taken once a day for 7 days before starting COCs and again during the 7-day pill-free interval for five cycles, while the third group received no multivitamin or placebo pills with their COCs. The groups were compared using Cox regression and χ(2) tests. RESULTS: There were no losses to follow-up. Continuation rates at the sixth cycle were 88% for the multivitamin group, 75% for the placebo group and 67% for the no intervention group. Compared with the multivitamin group, the six-cycle discontinuation rate was significantly higher in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-4.45; p = 0.019) and no intervention group (HR 3.15, 95% CI 1.66-5.99; p < 0.001). Nausea, mood changes, weight gain and breast tenderness were significantly less common in the multivitamin group than in the other groups in all cycles, and spotting/irregular bleeding and dizziness were significantly less common in most of the second, third and sixth cycle follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Multivitamin supplements could significantly reduce the side effects of COCs in the initial cycles and improve continuation rates. However, the study limitations do not allow for any definite conclusion for their use in clinical practice, especially in communities rich in nutrients.