Acta Natura et Scientia, cilt.5, sa.1, ss.11-18, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic agent and is widely used in cancer treatment. There are some studies suggesting oxidative stress-induced toxic changes in the liver due to DOX administration. The aim of this study was to reveal the oxidative damage of DOX in liver tissue at molecular level and to evaluate the protective effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against DOX oxidative damage. Twenty four rats weighing 150-200 g were randomly divided into four equal groups; group 1: control, group 2: received a single dose of DOX, group 3: received NAC for 28 days and group 4: received a single dose of DOX, followed by NAC for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, liver tissues were taken from all animals. Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Total Oxidant Capacity (TOC) levels were determined in these samples by spectrophotometric methods. The histopathological changes of liver tissue were observed routinely in histological staining. It was determined that TOC level increased, TAC levels decreased in the group given DOX compared to the control group. In addition, TAC levels increased in the DOX+NAC group. It was showed the occurrence of congestion in portal triad, and pycnotic cells degeneration in DOX group. It was concluded that DOX administration increased oxidative stress and NAC administration could prevent the increased oxidative stress (p<0.05). NAC caused modulatory effects on oxidative stress and antioxidant redox system in DOX-induced liver toxicity in the rat.