Abstract

Background: This experimental animal study was designed to evaluate the toxicity profile of two frontline chemotherapeutic regimens used in Hodgkin’s lymphoma – doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) and cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (COPP), which are regimens commonly prescribed. We conducted this experimental animal study using albino rats, incorporating an antioxidant, Vitamin E, to assess if its cytoprotective properties could counter the free radical inducing actions of the two regimens.

Aims and Objectives: The main objectives of our study were to document histologically, the toxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents in ABVD and COPP regimens in the various organ systems in albino rats, and to assess the protective role of the antioxidant, Vitamin E on drug-induced toxicities in albino rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental animal study, 30 albino rats weighing 150 g–250 g were selected and grouped as control, chemotherapy receiving group, and cytoprotective group receiving ABVD/COPP and Vitamin E. The duration of the study was 4 weeks and hematological and histopathological studies were conducted on the models.

Results: The experimental study revealed hematological and organ toxicities. Cytoprotection by Vitamin E was evident in the liver and stomach specimens on histopathology. Protection appeared minimal against hematological toxicity.

Conclusions: The experimental animal study demonstrated a cytoprotective effect of Vitamin E against chemotherapy induced organ toxicity mainly in the stomach and liver, of the animals studied.

Key words: Cytoprotective; Vitamin E; ABVD; COPP; Albino Rats