Doxorubicin (Dox) has been clinically observed to exert marked anticancer activity. However, it is severely restricted by its associated dose‑dependent cardiotoxicity, which may be attenuated by decreasing the cumulative dosage via combining with a non‑toxic ‘sensitizer’. We previously reported that ocotillol is capable of enhancing the antitumor activity of Dox; however, the effects of ocotillol on its cardiotoxicity remain unclear. In the current study, the effects of ocotillol on the toxicity of Dox were investigated, particularly its role in cardiotoxicity. In the acute injury model, pre‑administration of ocotillol prolonged the survival time. In the chronic animal model, pre‑administration of ocotillol decreased the elevated levels of plasma creatine kinase (CK) and CK‑MB, as well as attenuated the pathological changes that occurred. Pre‑treatment with ocotillol ameliorated the decreased glutathione level and reduced the cumulated malondialdehyde in the heart tissue. In addition, pre‑treatment with ocotillol restored the lowered white blood cell count. The results indicate that Dox co‑treatment with ocotillol may effectively alleviate its associated toxic injury, particularly cardiotoxicity. Thus, co‑administration of Dox with ocotillol may be a potential therapeutic strategy.

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