Cardiomodulating Activity of Gongronema latifolium and Lisinopril in Doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Background: A major side effect of some cancer drugs, including Doxorubicin, is cardiotoxicity. This study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective role of ethanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium (GL) compared to Lisinopril in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Methods: Forty Wistar rats of both sexes (150-200 g) were divided into 5 groups (n=8 each). Group 1 (control) took normal rat chow; Group 2 received 25 mg/kg Doxorubicin; Group 3 received Doxorubicin + GL (200 mg/kg orally); Group 4 received Doxorubicin + Lisinopril (10 mg/kg orally); and Group 5 received Doxorubicin + Lisinopril + GL. The regiment lasted for 28 days. Blood samples were collected from each animal via cardiac puncture for biochemical assays. Results: The results of the study showed a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration in the doxorubicin group as compared to the control group. Intervention with GL and Lisilopril caused a significant increase in SOD concentration. Total antioxidant capacity, catalase, SOD, and angiotensin-II levels were significantly decreased with a corresponding increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) in the Doxorubicin group. Treatment with GL and Lisinopril significantly reversed these changes by increasing the levels of TAC, SOD, CAT, and angiotensin-2 to normal while lowering the MDA levels to normal. Cardiac biomarkers, namely troponin and creatine kinase levels, were significantly increased in the doxorubicin group as compared to the normal control. However, the coadministration of GL and Lisinopril decreased the troponin and creatine kinase concentrations to normal levels. Conclusions: Gongronema Latifolium and Lisinopril provided better cardioprotective and antioxidant effects versus other agents against cardiotoxicity induced by Doxorubicin.