Vitamin E ameliorates cyclophosphamide induced nephrotoxicity

Abstract

Cyclophosphamide (CP), is a cytotoxic alkylating agent and it is widely used in treatment of malignant diseases and autoimmune disorders. CP may be nephrotoxic, both in humans and animal models by generating reactive oxygen species. Vitamin E is a major antioxidant in biological systems acting as a powerful chain-breaking agent through the scavenging of peroxyl radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin E in CP induced nephrotoxicity. Forty rats were divided randomly into 4 groups (n=10). Group1: control group, receiving normal saline, group 2: CP group received a single intraperitoneal injection of CP in saline at the dose of 150 mg/ kg. Group3: CP+Vit E: received CP plus Vit E (100mg/kg), group 4: received CP and olive oil. Twenty four hours after CP injection rats anesthetized and sampled for studying with light microscopy and biochemical studies. Data indicated that serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr), renal tissue injury index and renal tissue malondealdehyde (MDA) were higher in CP group comparing to CP+Vit E group significantly. Renal tissue glutathion peroxidase (GPx) and super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity were higher in CP+Vit E group than CP group significantly (P<0.05). Our results showed that one of the basic mechanisms involved in CP-induced nephrototoxicity might be oxidative stress and vitamin E pretreatment attenuated CP induced nephrotoxicity.