Doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline-based antibiotic, is regularly used in the management of carcinomas, and haematological malignancies have been downplayed in chemotherapy because of its ability to induce dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Dexrazoxane is approved to combat the cardiotoxicity, but limited by its adverse effects. Redox imbalance and reactive oxygen species generation plays major role in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Histamine, known to mediate various cardiovascular effects, but nevertheless the role of histamine or its receptors in DOX-induced DCM is remained obscure. Hence, this study is aimed to examine the effect of Famotidine (FAM), a H2 receptor antagonist on DOX-induced DCM in Wistar rats. Myocardial antioxidant status, stress and apoptosis markers, myocardial morphology and function were evaluated as the end points. Treatment with FAM has alleviated DOX doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by reducing oxidative and nitrosative stress evident from lipid peroxidation and total nitrate-to-nitrite ratio, and enhanced the activity of super oxide dismutase. Cardiac stress markers like LDH and Na-KATPase activities as well as CK-MB and Cardiac troponin levels were reduced by FAM treatment. It also normalised the myocardial function as assessed by 2D echocardiography and myocardial index. Treatment imparted anti-apoptotic effect as evident from decrease in myocardial caspase 3 and 9 activity and cleaved PARP expression. Effect of FAM is found to be comparable to the standard ACE inhibitor Captopril (CAP). The results from this study collectively suggest H2 receptor antagonism as a novel therapeutic strategy to impart biochemical, structural and functional improvement indicating its cardio-protective activity.

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