Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The usage of doxorubicin (DOX), an antineoplastic drug that is frequently used for the cure of cancer, is restricted to maximal doses due to its cardiac toxicity. Reactive oxygen species produced by DOX result in lipid peroxidation and organ failure, ultimately resulting in cardiomyopathy. Due to its high polyphenol content, virgin rice bran oil (VRBO) is a diet nutritional supplement with a strong antioxidant. This study aimed to assess the potential defense of VRBO against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. METHODS: VRBO and DOX injections were administered to thirty male Wistar rats for 42 days after being randomly assigned to five groups. RESULTS: The study demonstrated the cardioprotective effects of VRBO against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity. VRBO (0.71 and 1.42 ml/kg) significantly improved the heart-tobody weight ratio, reduced elevated serum CK-MB and LDH levels by 18.4% and 52.7%, respectively, and increased HDL by 43.1%. ECG parameters also improved, with reductions in QT interval (19%), ST interval (28%), and QRS complex (15%). VRBO enhanced systolic blood pressure (up to 21%) and heart rate (7.1%). Antioxidant markers showed notable recovery, with MDA levels reduced by 66.1%, while GSH, SOD, and catalase levels increased by 129.4%, 158.2%, and 84.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: A cardioprotective benefit was found at middle and higher VRBO dosages. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of VRBO as a cardioprotective medication, further research on dosage response and bioavailability is required.