Doxorubicin cardiotoxicity and serum lipid increase is prevented by dextrazoxane (ICRF-187)

This study is related to the serious side effects of Doxorubicin-cardiotoxi city and serum lipid caused by the drug's cumulative effect. Studies were p erformed on experimental animals treated with intensive administration of D oxorubicin. Seventy five wistar rats were divided in two equal groups A and B. Group A was used for doxorubicin administration and B for doxorubicin a nd dextrazoxane. The drugs were administered weekly for twelve weeks at dos es 0.2mg/100g BW for doxorubicin and 1,5 mg/100g BW for dextrazoxane. Histo logical examination of the cardiac muscle, large vessels, liver and other o rgans and biochemical examination for serum lipids and liver enzymes were p erformed on certain weeks. Comparison of the findings of the two groups sho wed a) a reduction in doxorubicin cardiotoxicity by dextrazoxane and b) the addition of dextrazoxane to doxorubicin resulted in lowering the increase of serum lipids produced by doxorubicin, c) In vitro tests by chemiluminesc ence showed that dextrazoxane acts as scavenger of oxygen free radicals.