Potential role of leek, Allium porrum in attenuated cardiotoxicity effects of Trastuzumab

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is a gene that can play a role in the development of breast cancer. Herceptin (chemical name: trastuzumab), which works against HER2-positive breast cancers by blocking the ability of the cancer cells to receive chemical signals that tell the cells to grow. Leek, scientifically as Allium porrum, are related to garlic, onions, shallots, and scallions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of leek extracts (Allium porrum) on Trastuzumab (TRA) induced cardiotoxicity after breast cancer chemotherapy treatment. The mice in the pretreated group were given a daily dose of 1.25 ml Allium porrum for 14 days. To induce cardiac injury, TRA (2 mg/kg) in a single injection intraperitoneally and the mice were sacrificed after 72 h. This is first time investigate the cardioprotective effects of Allium porrum on TRA-induced cardiotoxicity. The TRA-treated with Allium porrum groups showed a significant improved left ventricular function EF%, CO; p < 0.05, decrease in the Creatine kinase, creatine kinase MB, lactate dehydrogenase activities and cardiac troponin I, MCP-1 and reduces an inflammatory response in comparison with the TRA-treated group. In conclusion, the present study showed first time that Leek -Allium porrum- may be have potential role in cardio-protector against toxic effects of Trastuzumab.