Effect of squalene on cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Toxicity due to drugs used for neoplastic disorders is extensively documented. Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is a widely used antineoplastic drug, which could cause toxicity of normal cells due to its toxic metabolites. We evaluated the protective role of squalene (SQ) in the toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide.

METHODS: The activities of serum marker enzymes, clinical chemistry parameters and histopathology studies were done according to the standard procedures in the control and experimental groups of rats.

RESULTS: Toxicity of the organs like heart, kidney and liver was evidenced from significant (P<0.05) increases of CK, LDH, AST, ALT, ALP, urea, creatinine and total bilirubin in cyclophosphamide- (150 mg/kg for 2 days) administered rats. Abnormal activities of these enzymes in the organs and serum total protein and cholesterol were also observed. No significant changes were observed in triglycerides in serum. Squalene oral treatment exerted protection towards these organs at a dose of 0.4 ml/day/rat. Histopathological examinations also confirmed the protective efficacy of squalene.

CONCLUSION: Squalene may be efficacious as a cytoprotectant in cyclophosphamide-induced toxicities.