Vinpocetine protects against chloroquine-induced cardiotoxicity by mitigating oxidative stress.

Chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) are classical antimalarial drugs, and recently have been used for other applications including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although they are considered safe, cardiomyopathy may associate CQ and HCQ applications particularly at overdoses. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of the nootropic agent vinpocetine against CQ and HCQ adverse effects with a specific focus on the heart.

Vinpocetine-based therapy is an attractive strategy against oxidative stress-induced hepatotoxicity in vitro by targeting Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Vinpocetine (Vin), a synthetic-derivative of Vincamine, monoterpenoid indole alkaloid, has been reported to have various medicinal benefits. The purpose of our study was to investigate the pivotal role of "nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2" (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant protection of Vin against HO and paracetamol (APAP)-induced liver toxicity. For this purpose, a normal human hepatic cell line (L02 cells) was incubated with cytotoxic concentrations of HO or APAP in the presence or absence of Vin.