PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF FLAVONOIDS ON DOXORUBICIN-INDUCED CARDIOTOXICITY

We have examined the effect of a G-Rutin and luteolin on doxorubicin ( DOX) toxicity in mice. In the heart, the lipid peroxide level, increas ed to 1.5 times of the normal level induced by DOX, decreased to the n ormal level after treatment with cl G-Rutin or luteolin (i.p.). Glutat hione peroxidase (GSHpx) activity, decreased to 73% of normal activity after DOX treatment, was shown to recover by the combined flavonoids. The lipid peroxide level in bone marrow cells increased to 5.9 times of the normal level by DOX treatment, whereas this level in the extra bone marrow cells did not change by treatment with DOX. The combinatio n of a G-Rutin and luteolin with DOX significantly inhibited the DOX i nduced-increment of the lipid peroxide level in bone marrow cells. Fla vonoids have also reduced the effect of DOX toxicity by oral administr ation. It is suggested that it is possible to reduce DOX toxicity by t he intake of food including flavonoids. In NADPH-deqendent lipid perox idation, a G-Rutin and luteolin showed concentration-dependent inhibit ion. Therefore, we considered that the reduction effect of DOX toxicit y by flavonoids was caused by antioxidative action and other effect of the flavonoids. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.