Abstract: Trastuzumab (Trz) is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting epidermal growth factor
receptor 2 (HER2; ErbB2). The combined administration of Trz and doxorubicin (DOX) has shown
potent anti-cancer efficacy; however, this regimen may be accompanied by severe cardiac toxicity.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomes are nanosized vesicles that play a crucial role in
cell–cell communication and have shown efficacy in the treatment of various diseases. In this study,
we aim to investigate the cardioprotective effects of MSCs-derived exosomes in a DOX/Trz- mediated
cardiotoxicity model, and the possible mechanisms underlying these effects are elucidated. Forty-nine
male rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Group I (control); Group II (Dox/Trz); Group
III (protective group); and Group IV (curative group). Cardiac hemodynamic parameters, serum
markers of cardiac injury, oxidative stress indices, and cardiac histopathology were investigated.
Further, transcript profile of specific cardiac tissue injury markers, apoptotic markers |
