Radish root extract targets redox imbalance, inflammatory cytokines, coagulation activity and myocardial degeneration as a potential remedy for doxorubicin- induced cardiotoxicity in rats

Cardiotoxicity is a major limiting factor for clinical use of doxorubicin (DOX) in chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluateeffectiveness of radish root extract (30mg/kg BW) to attenuate doxorubicin (DOX) - induced cardiotoxicity and to explore involved mechanisms. Phytochemical analysis of tested plant and assessment of antioxidant capacity against DPPH free radical were also performed. Treatment of male rats with DOX (2.5mg/kg BW, i.p.) twice weekly for 4 weeks elicitedmyocardial toxicity characterized by increased serum cTn-I, CK-MB, LDH and AST, decreased heart weight/body weight ratio, cadiomyocytes degeneration and disorganization. These effects were associated with significant reduction in cardiac antioxidants (GSH, SOD,CAT) and total antioxidant capacity, paralleled by significant elevation in levels of xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, and nitric oxide, indicating augmented oxidative stress. Further elevation in serum inflammatory markers (TNF-d, CRP), adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1), fibrinogen and platelet activating factor, accompanied by marked hematologic disorders were also noticed. Results of radish analysis revealed strong scavenging activity against DPPH and presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids as a major phytoconstituents. Supplementation of radish extract has shown to be effective against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity via enhancing antioxidant capacity and combating oxidative stress, inflammation, coagulation and myocardial histological injury. Therefore, radish root extract can be suggested as a potential cardioprotective remedy for patients on DOX- based chemotherapy which might be attributed to its active constituents and radical scavenging properties.