Effect of some anticancer drugs and combined chemotherapy on renal toxicity

5-Flourouracil-induced toxicity in both male and female reproductive systems: A narrative review

The chemotherapeutic drug 5-flourouracil (5FU) is frequently used to treat a wide range of solid malignant tumors, such as colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, breast, and head and neck cancers. Its antitumoral effects are achieved by interfering with the synthesis of RNA and DNA and by inhibiting thymidylate synthase in both malignant and non-malignant cells. Therefore, it can be responsible for severe toxicities in crucial body organs, including heart, liver, kidney, and reproductive system. Given the fact that 5FU-induced reproductive toxicity may limit the clinical application of this drug, in this study, we aimed to discuss the main locations and mechanisms of the 5FU-induced reproductive toxicity. Initially, we discussed the impact of 5FU on the male reproductive system, which leads to damage of the seminiferous epithelial cells and the development of vacuoles in Sertoli cells. Although no noticeable changes occur at the histopathological level, there is a decrease in the weight of the prostate. Additionally, 5FU causes significant abnormalities in spermatogenesis, including germ cell shedding, spermatid halo formation, polynucleated giant cells, and decreased sperm count. Finally, in females, 5FU-induced reproductive toxicity is characterized by the presence of atretic secondary and antral follicles with reduced numbers of growing follicles, ovarian weight, and maturity impairment.

Effects of quercetin on methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

OBJECTIVE

This experimental study was conducted to elucidate the possible protective/therapeutic effects of quercetin against methotrexate (Mtx)-induced kidney toxicity with biochemical and histopathological studies.

METHODS

Twenty-four adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups, as follows: control group (saline intraperitoneally (i.p.), 9 days), Mtx group (20 mg/kg i.p., single dose), Mtx + quercetin group (50 mg/kg quercetin was orally administered 2 days before and 6 days after Mtx administration) and only quercetin group (50 mg/kg oral, 9 days). Structural changes were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff stainings. Apoptotic changes were investigated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and caspase-3 antibody. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in tissue and plasma samples.

RESULTS

Mtx compared with the control group, there was significant increase in nephrotoxic tissue damage findings, in addition to apoptotic index (APOI) and caspase-3 expression ( p < 0.05). Mtx + quercetin group revealed significantly lower histopathological damage and APOI and caspase-3 expression decreased when compared to Mtx group. MDA levels were increased in Mtx group compared to others, and by the use of quercetin, this increase was significantly reduced. SOD levels were higher in Mtx group than others. This increase was evaluated as a relative increase arising from oxidative damage caused by Mtx.

CONCLUSION

As a result, Mtx administration may involve oxidative stress by causing structural and functional damage in kidney tissue in rats. Quercetin reduced the Mtx-induced oxidative stress through its antioxidant properties and so quercetin may be promising to alleviate Mtx-induced renal toxicity.

Taurine ameliorates 5-flourouracil-induced intestinal mucositis, hepatorenal and reproductive organ damage in Wistar rats: A biochemical and histological study

5-Fluorouracil is one of the most commonly used anticancer drugs for the treatment of various types of cancer but has potential adverse effects such as intestinal mucositis, renal, hepatic, and reproductive organ toxicity. Attention has been given to approaches to reduce the side effects and improve the therapeutic effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, we have investigated the protective effect of taurine (Tau) on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) induced adverse effects in Wistar rats. Animals were divided into four groups with six animals (n = 6) in each group. Group I received vehicle only and served as control group. Groups II, III, and IV animals were given oral gavage of 5-FU at 50 mg/kg body weight for 4 days. Tau was given to the animals of groups III and IV 30 min prior to 5-FU administration. We observed marked elevation in the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity after 5-FU administration, which was reversed by Tau pretreatment. Histological observation of liver, kidney, intestine, testis, and prostate revealed that 5-FU administration resulted in anomalies like distortion of normal cellular architecture, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and loss of cellular integrity. These histopathological changes were markedly suppressed by Tau treatment. In conclusion, biochemical and histological findings of this study suggest that Tau has strong preventive potential against complications of anticancer drug 5-FU and hence Tau may play an important role in combinational chemotherapy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic effects of CAM therapies: an in vitro study in normal kidney cell lines

The purpose of this current study was to justify the incorporation of complementary and alternate medicine (CAM) in current cancer treatments. The major drawback of anticancer drugs is their nonselective killing, which ultimately leads to attrition of normal cells. Keeping this as the foundation of our study, we made an effort to compare the cytotoxicity associated with a known chemotherapeutic drug 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), with certain CAM therapies previously reported to have anticancer activity. The parameters chosen for the study were based on antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on normal, kidney epithelial cells (NRK-52E). The MTT assay, colony formation assay, DNA fragmentation, and differential staining using AO/EB, following treatment with either 5-FU or CAM therapies, were performed. The CAM therapies under study were various extracts of wheatgrass, roots of Achyranthes aspera (AA), mushroom extracts (Pleurotus ostreatus, Macrolepiota procera, and Auricularia polytricha), and a homeopathic drug, Ruta graveolens (Ruta). The results showed that treatment of normal cells with the CAM therapies led to minimum cell damage in comparison to 5-FU. This evidence-based study will lead to greater acceptance of alternative therapies against cancer.