Effect of Bezafibrate and Ginkgo biloba Extract Combination on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the possible synergistic effect of bezafibrate and ginkgo biloba (GKB) extract on cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin. Methods: Thirty rats were allocated into 5 groups: The negative control group was treated daily with 1 ml of distilled water orally by gavage tube; the positive control received doxorubicin 3.7 mg/kg on day 11 for 3 days intraperitoneally; the bezafibrate group received 100mg/kg orally by gavage tube; the GKB group received 60mg/kg orally by gavage tube; and the combination of bezafibrate and GKB group. All the groups received the doxorubicin protocol, with an exception for the negative control. The treatment continued for 14 days. On day 14, blood samples were taken for the measurement of serum levels of troponin, natriuretic peptide, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), IL-6, and total lipid profile. The atherogenic index, cardiac risk, and LDL/HDL ratios were calculated. Cardiac tissues were sent for histopathological analysis. Results: Both bezafibrate and GKB exhibited attenuation of troponin, natriuretic peptides, CPK, IL-6, TG, cardiac risk ratio, and atherogenic index, as well as an increase in HDL levels. However, the combination group showed the greatest effect compared to the positive control group. The histopathological findings supported the biochemical outcomes. Conclusions: Combining GKB extract and bezafibrate protects against cardiac injury by restoring injury markers and IL-6, as well as improving the lipid profile, cardiac risk ratio, and atherogenic index.