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

Dlanpar Dezhwar Fatuhulla
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
Badraldin Kareem Hamad
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dlanpar Dezhwar Fatuhulla, Badraldin Kareem Hamad (Author)

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Abstract

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.

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How to Cite
Dezhwar Fatuhulla, D. ., & Kareem Hamad, B. . (2025). Cardioprotective effect of liraglutide alone and in combination with L-arginine against cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity. Zanco Journal of Medical Sciences (Zanco J Med Sci), 29(3), 621–628. https://doi.org/10.15218/zjms.2025.067

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