Cardioprotective Potential of Ethanolic Extract of Morchella esculenta in Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Abstract

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer drug, but its clinical use is limited by cardiotoxicity. Oxidative stress and myocardial injury are important mechanisms involved in DOX-induced cardiac damage. Morchella esculenta (ME) is an edible medicinal mushroom containing bioactive compounds with reported antioxidant and pharmacological activities. The present study investigated the cardioprotective potential of M. esculenta ethanolic extract (EEME) against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Methods: Cardiotoxicity was induced in Wistar rats by DOX (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) administered on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13. EEME was administered at 250 and 500 mg/kg, while atenolol was used as the standard drug. Cardiac injury was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), Troponin-I, serum BNP,LVDP AND LVSP. Wnt3a/ β-catenin levels were aevaluated. Histopathological examination was also performed to assess myocardial structural changes.

Results: DOX administration produced marked cardiac injury, characterized by alterations in cardiac biomarkers, and myocardial structural damage. EEME treatment significantly attenuated these changes, with the 500 mg/kg dose showing greater protection than the 250 mg/kg dose. EEME also improved DOX-associated alterations in Wnt3a and β-catenin levels and reduced histopathological changes.

Conclusion: EEME demonstrated significant cardioprotective activity against DOX-induced cardiac injury, which may be associated with  preservation of myocardial structure, and modulation of Wnt/β-catenin-associated signaling. These findings suggest that M. esculenta may be a promising source of natural cardioprotective compounds and warrants further mechanistic investigation.