Ameliorative Effects of Quercetin in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Vascular Toxicity in Rats

Abstract

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) causes vascular toxicity and endothelial damage. In this study aimed the determination of the protective effects of Quercetin (Q) in the CYP-induced vascular toxicity in rats. The rats were randomly divided into the following five groups: Control, CYP, Q50+CYP, Q100+CYP and Q100. The control group was given intragastric (i.g.) corn oil for seven days. The CYP group received i.g. corn oil for seven days and a single dose (200 mg/kg) of CYP via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection on the seventh day. The rats in the three Q-treated groups received Q for seven days. On the seventh day after the Q treatment, the Q50+CYP, and Q100+CYP groups were injected to single dose (200 mg/kg, i.p.) of CYP. The CYP-treatment both worsen the Phenylephrine (PE)-induced contractions and acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxation responses in isolated thoracic aorta of rats, and the application of Q corrected these responses. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher in the CYP-treated groups. The both dose of Q decreased the MDA level. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activities were significantly decreased in the CYP group, whereas the high dose of Q increased SOD and GSH activities. Q treatment attenuated CYP-induced pathologies, and endothelial damage. According to results, Q has protective effects against CYP-induced vascular toxicity in rats.