Cardioprotective effect of eugenol against Cd-induced inflammation, oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in male rats: An invivo and molecular docking study

Background: Cadmium, a highly toxic heavy metal, can cause severe damage to several vital organs including the kidney, liver and brain. Many of the natural compounds found in aromatic plants have beneficial pharmacological properties, Eugenol, is one such compound reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to examine the potential of eugenol in alleviating cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress and dyslipidemia caused by cadmium exposure. Methods Male albino rats were randomized into four groups with six animals in each group, to examine the role of eugenol in reversing cadmium toxicity. All groups received oral gavage treatment for 21 days. Afterwards, heart tissues were collected from the rats. Assessment of the cardiac antioxidant status was performed by analyzing the enzymatic activities of Catalase, SOD, GST and GPx. Levels of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, protein carbonyl oxidation, and thiol levels were determined in heart tissue. To evaluate cardiac damage, marker enzymes such as LDH and CK-MB were measured. Cadmium-induced cardiac inflammation was assessed by measuring NO, TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Docking and molecular dynamics studies were conducted using autodock and GLIDE. Results Cadmium administration markedly enhanced the activities of LDH and CK-MB, prominent cardiac markers. Furthermore, cadmium treatment also demonstrated a significant decrease in the reduced glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activities. Significant elevation of the inflammatory markers was also observed in the cadmium-treated group. Eugenol treatment effectively ameliorates cadmium-induced biochemical changes. Conclusion This study highlights eugenol’s strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Co-supplementation of eugenol with cadmium demonstrated its protective potential against cadmium-induced cardiotoxicity. Eugenol was able to restore the cellular redox system of cadmium-treated rats to normal control levels.