<p>Liquiritigenin-Loaded Submicron Emulsion Protects Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity via Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Apoptotic Activity</p>

Abstract

Background: The clinical use of doxorubicin (DOX) is severely limited due to its cardiotoxicity. Thus, there is a need for prophylactic and treatment strategies against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a liquiritigenin-loaded submicron emulsion (Lq-SE) with enhanced oral bioavailability and to explore its efficacy against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Methods: Lq-SE was prepared using high-pressure homogenization and characterized using several analytical techniques. The formulation was optimized by central composite design response surface methodology (CCD-RSM). In vivo pharmacokinetic studies, biochemical analyses, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays, histopathologic assays, and Western blot analyses were performed. Results: Each Lq-SE droplet had a mean particle size of 221.7 ± 5.80 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.106 ± 0.068 and a zeta potential of −28.23 ± 0.42 mV. The area under the curve (AUC) of Lq-SE was 595% higher than that of liquiritigenin (Lq). Lq-SE decreased the release of serum cardiac enzymes and ameliorated histopathological changes in the hearts of DOX-challenged mice. Lq-SE significantly reduced oxidative stress by adjusting the levels of ROS, increasing the activity of antioxidative enzymes and inhibiting the protein expression of NOX4 and NOX2. Furthermore, Lq-SE significantly improved the inflammatory response through the mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling pathway and induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Conclusion: Lq-SE could be used as an effective cardioprotective agent against DOX in chemotherapy to enable better treatment outcomes.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Study on the molecular mechanism of nightshade in the treatment of colon cancer

“…The occurrence of this disease is correlated to multiple factors of cell proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, tumor microenvironment, and autoimmune system. TCM therapies have been widely introduced in treating cancer, acting on diverse signal transduction pathways with few adverse reactions [ 36 ]. The traditional Chinese medicine nightshade has been reported that it can play an anti-tumor role by inhibiting cell adhesion, tumor cell infiltration and metastasis, and improving the immune function of the body [ 37 ].…”

Liquiritigenin protects against myocardial ischemic by inhibiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, and L‐type Ca2+ channels

“…Liquiritigenin (Lq) (Figure 1) is a flavonoid in Glycyrrhizae radix (licorice) widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine. A recent study underscored its protective effects against doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity and cardiac injury induced by high fructose‐feeding (Shi et al, 2020; Xie, 2017). Lq can ameliorate myocardial fibrosis in mice (L. Li, Fang, Yu, Liu, & Yang, 2021).…”

Jin-Wu-Jian-Gu Formulation Attenuates Rheumatoid Arthritis by Inhibiting the IL33-ST2 Signaling Pathway

“…As a dihydroflavonoid compound, LQ exerts certain effects on the cardiovascular system and nervous system. In addition, it functions in antivirus, antioxidant, antitumor, and other pharmacological effects [8][9][10][11].…”