Evaluation of cardioprotective activity of Lepidium sativum seed powder in albino rats treated with 5-fluorouracil

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapeutic agent used for treatment of solid tumors. Cardiotoxicity is a major complication of 5-FU therapy. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible cardioprotective potency of Lepidium sativum seed powder (LS) against 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats. The rats were divided into three groups. Rats in the control group received saline daily for 8 days only. Rats in FU-treated group received saline orally for 8 days, then I.P. injected with 5-FU (150 mg\kg B.W) on the 5th day. Rats in LS-treated group were orally dosed with LS (550 mg\kg B.W\day) for 8 days, and on the 5th day rats were administrated with the same previous dose of 5-FU. 5-FU induced cardiotoxicity was assessed by a significant increase in serum concentrations of cTnI, CK-MB, lipid profile and a moderate elevation of cardiac MDA. 5-FU significantly decreased serum HDL-c and GSH concentration in cardiac homogenate. Its administration also resulted in the release of some inflammatory markers such as myeloperoxidase and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β). All 5-FU altered parameters were markedly ameliorated by LS pre-co-post-treatment. Results of the present study suggest that LS has a significant effect on the protection of the heart against 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity through maintaining the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.