Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is a potent DNA-interactive anticancer drug; however, its
clinical drawbacks are chiefly associated with induction of oxidative
multi-organ toxicity. Sitagliptin (STG) is an antidiabetic dipeptidyl
peptidase-4 inhibitor drug with antioxidant efficacy. Herein, we have explored
whether STG could abrogate the CYP-induced oxidative stress-mediated cardiac and
hepatorenal toxicities in male rats. Sitagliptin (20 mg/kg, o.p)
was administered to rats for 5 consecutive days against organ toxicities induced
by CYP (200 mg/kg, i.p) on day 5 only. CYP induced marked
injuries in the liver, kidney and heart underscored by prominent increases in
serum activities of ALT, AST, LDH, creatine kinase and levels of urea, uric acid
and creatinine, while albumin level significantly decreased compared to normal
control rats. Further, CYP considerably reduced the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx,
and levels of GSH, whereas MDA level increased significantly in comparison to
control rats. These biochemical alterations were confirmed by multiple
histopathological lesions in the tissues. Interestingly, the STG pretreatment
abrogated the biochemical and histopathological changes induced by CYP. These
results provide first evidence that repurposing STG may protect the liver,
kidney and heart from the oxidative deterioration associated with CYP
chemotherapy.