Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibition by sacubitril/valsartan attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in a pretreatment mice model by interfering with oxidative stress, inflammation, and Caspase 3 apoptotic pathway.

Objective: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a well-known cardiotoxic agent, whereas sacubitril/valsartan (Sac/Val) is an effective treatment option in heart failure. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of Sac/Val on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in pretreatment mice model.

Methods: A total of 24 mice were equally classified into 4 groups; control group, DOX (20 mg/kg; fifth day), Sac/Val (80 mg/kg), and Sac/Val+DOX (Sac/Val was given from day one of the study before doxorubicin administration). Electrocardiography parameters, including durations of QRS, ST, QT, PP segment, and QT/PQ index were measured. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, NT-proBNP concentrations, and Caspase 3 activity were evaluated.

Results: At the end of the 9-day study duration, QRS, ST, QT intervals, QT/PQ index and TAS, TOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the DOX group than in the control group (p<0.001). Moreover, there were significant differences only in the PP interval when comparing the Sac/Val+DOX and control groups (p<0.001). QRS, ST, QT intervals, and QT/PQ index, TAS, TOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the Sac/Val+ DOX group compared with the DOX group (p<0.001). Furthermore, NT-proBNP levels were lower in the Sac/Val+DOX group compared with the DOX group along with less Caspase 3 apoptosis.

Conclusion: Sac/Val seems to be cardioprotective against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in pretreatment mice model. These findings can be attributed to the antiarrhythmic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects of Sac/Val as shown in this study.