Glycine protects against doxorubicin-induced heart toxicity in mice

Doxorubicin (DOXO) is a well-known cancer chemotherapeutic. However, its toxic effect on the heart limits its clinical application. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of glycine administration to counteract the DOXO-induction of cardiomyopathy in mice. Fifty male albino mice were divided into five groups (n = 10/group) as follows: control, DOXO, Gp100, Gp150, and Gp200. Histopathological examination of the heart, and biochemical examinations for heart function (creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 10 (IL-10)), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, nitric oxide (NO), and uric acid), kidney function (urea and creatinine), and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium) were carried out. Cardiomyopathy induced by DOXO treatment (15 mg/kg total dose) was ascertained via pathological alterations seen in heart tissue and verified biochemically via increases (P < 0.001) in CPK, LDH, AST, TNF-α, IL-10, MDA, NO, Na, and K levels along with decreases (P < 0.001) in GSH, SOD, catalase, and uric acid. Glycine co-treatment, using doses of 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg, in a dose-dependent manner, displayed ameliorated heart architecture, significantly (P < 0.001) improved biochemical heart function tests, reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, and controlled mineral levels. The positive actions of glycine in DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity amelioration via modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and immunity are confirmed. Glycine antioxidative properties may be behind its positive outcomes. Finally, we present glycine as a worthy possible option against DOXO-induced heart damage after more validation.