Cardioprotective effect of liraglutide alone and in combination with L-arginine against cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity

Background and objective: Many chemotherapeutic drugs may induce cardiotoxicity which limits their clinical use. Cyclophosphamide is an anticancer drug that is associated with dose dependent cardiotoxicity. Cardioprotective agents are being investigated as a means to prevent or treat cardiotoxicity. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible protective effects of liraglutide, alone and in combination with L-arginine, against cyclophosphamide induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Methods: This study was conducted on 28 male Wistar albino rats, which were distributed into four groups, with each consisting of seven rats. Group C functioned as negative control while group CP acted as positive control. Group L received liraglutide and LA group was given liraglutide and L-arginine. After 21 days of treatment, the rats from group CP, L, and LA were injected with cyclophosphamide to induce cardiotoxicity. Blood samples were collected for measurement of hs-Troponin T (hs-TnT), heart-fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) while the hearts were taken for histopathological examination. Results: Cyclophosphamide administration significantly increased myocardial injury markers (hs-troponin T and H-FABP), and inflammatory/renal injury marker (NGAL) while it significantly reduced antioxidant enzyme (SOD) in the serum with histopathological analysis showing signs of cardiotoxicity. Liraglutide alone and in combination with L-arginine improved the biochemical parameters and histopathological structure of the heart compared to cyclophosphamide group. Conclusion: The findings from this prospective study suggest that liraglutide pretreatment, alone and in combination with L-arginine, provided cardioprotection against cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity.