Potential of natural products in combination with arsenic trioxide: Investigating cardioprotective effects and mechanisms

Biomed Pharmacother. 2023 Jun:162:114464. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114464. Epub 2023 Apr 13.

Abstract

Over the past few decades, clinical trials conducted worldwide have demonstrated the efficacy of arsenic trioxide (ATO) in the treatment of relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Currently, ATO has become the frontline treatments for patients with APL. However, its therapeutic applicability is severely constrained by ATO-induced cardiac side effects. Any cardioprotective agents that can ameliorate the cardiac side effects and allow exploiting the full therapeutic potential of ATO, undoubtedly gain significant attention. The knowledge and use of natural products for evidence-based therapy have grown rapidly in recent years. Here we discussed the potential mechanism of ATO-induced cardiac side effects and reviewed the studies on cardiac side effects as well as the research history of ATO in the treatment of APL. Then, We summarized the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of natural products in the treatment of ATO-induced cardiac side effects. Based on the efficacy and safety of the natural product, it has a promising future in the development of cardioprotective agents against ATO-induced cardiac side effects.

Keywords: Acute promyelocytic leukemia; Arsenic trioxide; Cardiac protection; Cardiac side effects; Natural products; Phytochemicals.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Arsenic Trioxide
  • Arsenicals* / pharmacology
  • Biological Products* / therapeutic use
  • Cardiotonic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Heart
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute* / drug therapy
  • Oxides

Substances

  • Arsenic Trioxide
  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Biological Products
  • Oxides
  • Arsenicals
  • Antineoplastic Agents