Mitigative effect of Spirulina extract on cardiac toxicity associated with Ehrlich solid carcinoma in female mice

Ehrlich solid tumor (EST) is an aggressive murine cancer model widely used to evaluate anticancer and protective agents. Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), a nutrient-rich cyanobacterium with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, has been studied for possible cardioprotective benefits. This study assessed the role of Spirulina extract in reducing cardiac toxicity in female mice bearing EST. Four groups (forty mice): control, Spirulina-treated, EST-bearing, and EST plus Spirulina-treated. Biochemical assays, histological evaluation, and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess cardiac function, electrolyte balance, lipid profile, and apoptosis markers. EST-bearing mice exhibited significant increases in serum cardiac enzymes, dysregulated electrolytes, elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, reduced high-density lipoprotein, and marked histological and apoptotic alterations. Spirulina supplementation significantly attenuated these changes, restoring cardiac biomarkers, normalizing electrolytes and lipid profiles, and improving myocardial structure. Furthermore, Spirulina reduced the overexpression of tumor protein (p53) and cysteine-aspartic acid protease 3 (caspas3), indicating decreased apoptosis. The strongly antioxidant phenolic chemicals and polyunsaturated fatty acids found in spirulina are responsible for these beneficial effects. In conclusion, Spirulina extract alleviates EST-induced cardiotoxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, supporting its potential as a natural adjuvant in cancer therapy.