Immunohistochemical and histological evaluations of cyclophosphamide-induced acute cardiotoxicity in wistar rats: The role of turmeric extract (curcuma).

Chemotherapy-induced cardiac derangement is a major concern in health sector. Cyclophosphamide as a chemotherapeutic agent induces acute cardiotoxicity through its toxic metabolite, acrolein. This study evaluated the effect of ethanol extract of turmeric on cyclophosphamide-induced acute cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats. Thirty-five healthy Wistar rats, weighing 200-250g were randomly assigned into 7 groups (Groups A, B, C, D, E, F and G) N=5. Group A was the control, group B was negative control, and group C was administered 200mg/kg of turmeric extract (orally) only. While groups B, D, E, F and G were all administered 100mg/kg cyclophosphamide (i.p) for 10 days. Groups D and E were administered 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg of turmeric extract (orally) respectively for 72 hours before cyclophosphamide administration. Groups F and G were concomitantly administered 100mg/kg cyclophosphamide (i.p) with doses of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg of turmeric extract (orally) respectively. The rats were sacrificed under ketamine anesthesia (30mg/kg i.m). The left ventricle of the heart was excised. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze data. Results revealed that there was statistically significant (P<0.05) difference in body weight change, CK-MB, and LDH across all experimental groups; which were significantly lower in cyclophosphamide group. Histology and Immunohistochemistry revealed that there were morphological alterations in the myocardium of the left ventricle in group B while turmeric extract ameliorated cyclophosphamide-induced damage in the myocardium in other experimental groups. In conclusion, cyclophosphamide-induced myocardial alterations were significantly ameliorated through administration of ethanol extract of turmeric.