Physical Training Improves Cardiac Structure and Function of Rats After Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy

• Published in: International journal of cardiovascular sciences 2022
• Main Authors: Souza, Fernanda Rodrigues, Campos, Érica Carolina, Lopes, Leandro Teixeira Paranhos, Rodrigues, Clesnan Mendes, Gonçalves, Danilo Lemes Naves, Beletti, Marcelo Emílio, Mantovani, Matheus Matioli, Duarte, Poliana Rodrigues Alves, Gonçalvez, Alexandre, Resende, Elmiro Santos
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Subjects: CARDIAC & CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS
• ISSN: 2359-5647; 2359-5647
• DOI: 10.36660/ijcs.20210095

Abstract Background: The use of doxorubicin in chemotherapy has been associated with cardiotoxicity and heart failure. Physical exercise produces favorable morphofunctional adaptations in the cardiovascular system and may reverse cardiac dysfunction in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Objective: To assess the effects of physical training on myocardial structure, cardiac function, and exercise tolerance in Wistar rats initiated after the onset of cardiotoxicity-induced cardiotoxicity. Methods: This study investigated 30 adult male Wistar rats randomly divided into four groups: control (C), exercise (EX), doxorubicin (DX), and doxorubicin and exercise (DXEX). The DX and DXEX groups received six doses of doxorubincin from 1.25 mg/kg body weight up to a cumulative dose of 7.5 mg/kg. Injections were administered intraperitoneally three times a week for two weeks; after this stage, the EX and DXEX groups started physical training (swimming) sessions three times a week with a load of 5% of their body weight. Echocardiography and exercise tolerance tests were performed. Generalized linear models were used in statistical analysis, and a p