Cardiotonic activity of daidzein against doxorubicin-induced congestive cardiac failure in rats.

Despite significant medical advances, congestive heart failure remains associated with high mortality rate. Therefore, there is a continuing need for better therapeutics. In this study, we have examined the effect of daidzein against congestive heart failure induced by administration of doxorubicin. Blood pressure, electrocardiogram, B-type natriuretic peptide, and markers of oxidative stress were assessed as measures of cardioprotective effect of daidzein. To further assess the mechanism, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay, Western blot assay, and histopathology were performed. Daidzein reduced blood pressure, reversed the altered pattern of electrocardiogram, levels of B-type natriuretic peptide, and oxidative stress markers in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Furthermore, treatment with daidzein ameliorated apoptosis and expression of proinflammatory proteins and oxidative pathway.