The College of Pharmacy discussed the MSc thesis entitled “Evaluation of The Protective Effects of Chromium Picolinate Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats” by the student Asmaa Muhammad Khalifa and the supervisor, Assistant Professor Dr. Ali Faris Hassan, at the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department. The study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective impact of chromium picolinate against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and associated inflammatory responses in male rat models.The study included twenty-eight male rats that were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=7 per group). Group I (control): Rats received distilled water orally for eight consecutive days. Group II (positive control): Rats received distilled water orally for seven days, followed by a single dose of doxorubicin (25 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on day eight. Group III: Rats received 2 mg/kg/day of chromium picolinate orally for 7 days, followed by a single intraperitoneal dose of doxorubicin (25 mg/kg) on day eight. Group IV: Rats received 4 mg/kg/day of chromium picolinate orally for seven days, followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin (25 mg/kg) on the eighth day. All animals were euthanized on day nine. Blood and tissue samples were collected for further examination. The study concluded that pretreatment with chromium picolinate resulted in a significant reduction in serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin. Additionally, chromium picolinate administration showed a significant decline in the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Furthermore, a significant elevation in the levels of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) and a significant decline in the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The study recommends further investigations to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the antioxidant properties of chromium picolinate and evaluate the potential protective effects of chromium picolinate on other vital organs, including the kidneys, brain, and liver. Additionally, comparative studies are warranted to assess the antioxidant efficacy of chromium picolinate relative to established antioxidants such as vitamin E and zinc.
