Prevention of doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity by catechin.

Doxorubicin (dox) is an anthracycline antibiotic which is broadly used in solid tumors. Long-term therapy with this drug is accompanied by potentially lethal, dose-dependent side effects. Several reports suggest that oxygen free radicals produced during the metabolic activation of dox may have toxic effects on heart muscle. We tried to protect dox cardiotoxicity in rats using catechin which is a known antioxidant and iron chelating agent. Different dose levels and combinations of catechin and doxorubicin have been studied in different experimental groups. Electrocardiograms, myocardial contractility, body weight and the electron microscope were used to assess the cardioprotective effect of catechin in dox-treated animals. We found significant prevention of dox-induced cardiotoxicity by catechin in rats.