Effect of Doxorubicin and Some Boron Compounds on Erythrocyte Fragility In Rats

Abstract

Objective: Doxorubicin is a potent antineoplastic agent used in the chemical treatment of cancer. However, due to their cardiotoxic effects, its use is limited and currently subject for extensive research. Cardiomyopathy caused by doxorubicin still remains as a major concern for this potent drug. This study was aimed to contribute to this issue which needs novel preventive treatment for this side effect.

Materials and Methods: Boron and boron-containing molecules are subject of medical research due to their properties such as antioxidant nature. They are tested in various diseases and experimental setups. In this study Boric acid, Potassium tetraborate, Ammonium bi-Borat tetrahydrate was given to male rats at 10 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks. All study groups (n=8 each) received Doxorubicin and Boron containing compounds via the intraperitoneal route. Following 6 weeks blood was withdrawn and erythrocyte osmotic fragility test was applied.

Results: Erythrocyte fragility values of all doxorubicin containing groups increases and become significant at 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 and 0.8% NaCl concentrations (p< 0.05). Among doxorubicin groups, no significant difference was observed. Results of this study suggest that doxorubicin increases erythrocyte osmotic fragility and boron-containing molecules are not sufficient to recover this untoward effect on erythrocytes at the applied dosage.

Conclusion: Possible mechanisms of this result and testing in a dose-dependent manner can be tested in future studies.