Comparative study on the effects of grape seed extract and telmisartan on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in adult male rats

Introduction Doxorubicin (DOXO) is a chemotherapeutic agent used effectively for the treatment of several malignancies. The major side effect of DOXO is oxidative injury-related cardiotoxicity, which has markedly hindered its usage. Grape seed extract (GSE) has been reported to exert protective effects on DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity. However, studies have suggested that the angiotensin receptor blocker (telmisartan) may also play a protective role in DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity. Aim of the work The aim of this work was to determine the effect of DOXO on rats’ hearts and to compare the effects of GSE and telmisartan against DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity. Materials and methods Thirty adult male albino rats were used. They were divided into six groups of five animals each. Group I served as a control. Group II was administered a single intraperitoneal injection of DOXO (20mg/kg). Group III received GSE, which was administered daily by a gavage at a dose of 100mg/kg for 12 days and DOXO was administered on the seventh day as in group II. Group IV received telmisartan, which was administered daily by a gavage at a dose of 10mg/kg for 12 days and DOXO was administered on the seventh day as in group II. Group V received GSE alone for 12 days. Group VI received telmisartan alone for 12 days. At the end of the experiment, the heart was prepared for histological examination and morphometric studies were carried out. Results It was found that DOXO exerted deleterious effects on the heart structure. GSE and telmisartan exerted a protective effect against DOXO-induced heart damage. Conclusion The present study indicated that DOXO affected the structure of the rat's heart, which could be protected by GSE and telmisartan. However, the protective effect of GSE on DOXO-induced cardiac injury needs further researches for a longer duration of time to obtain more definitive results.