Protective Effects Of Melatonin On Doxorubicin Induced Cardiotoxicity In Isolated Rat Heart

INTRODUCTION: Doxorubicin is a highly effective cancer chemotherapeutic agent and its clinical use is limited by its serious cardiotoxicity. Oxidative damage is suggested to play a major role in its cardiotoxicity. In this study we aimed to research the protective effects of melatonin-which is a free radical scavenger and antioxidant-on Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in isolated perfused rat heart.
METHODS: Male wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: 1.group: control (1ml (i.p) sterile saline), 2.group: Doxorubicin (Dox) (one dose, 10mg/kg (i.p)), 3.group: Dox (one dose, 10 mg/kg (i.p)) + Melatonin (Mel) for 7 days once a day 10 mg/kg (i.p)), 4.group: Melatonin (for 7 days once a day 10 mg/kg (i.p) ). After 7 days, the hearts were isolated and perfused by Langendorff system. Heart rate, coronary perfusion pressure, Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), LV(dP/dt)max and LV( dP/dt)min which shows max and min pressures during systole and diastole per time were recorded.
RESULTS: As a result; a significant increase in coronary perfusion pressure and LV(dP/dt)min and also a significant decrease in LVDP, LV(dP/dt)max and heart rates in the Dox group according to control group showed altered cardiac functions induced by Dox.Versus the Dox group, in the Dox+Mel group the coronary perfusion pressure and LV(dP/dt)min significantly decreased and LVDP and LV(dP/dt)max significantly increased.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It is concluded that melatonin has protective effects on doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity with altered heart contractility and hemodynamics.