Protective effect of rosuvastatin on cyclophosphamide-induced oral toxicity in rats: Histological and immunohistochemical Study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Cyclophosphamide is a well-known alkylating anticancer drug that is used to treat a variety of cancers, both malignant and non-malignant. Cyclophosphamide can have a number of side effects, including oral toxicity. Rosuvastatin, a statin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in addition to its anti-hyperlipidemic properties. The goal of this trial was to see if rosuvastatin could help prevent cyclophosphamide-induced tongue lesions. Methods: Twenty-four Wister-albino rats, weighing 300-400grams and aged 12-16 weeks, were used. The animals were divided into three groups: group I considered as control. Group 2 was given cyclophosphamide 150mg\kg and in group 3 was given cyclophosphamide 150mg/kg, and rosuvastatin (20mg/kg). The microscopic parameter was estimated, and the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) in the tongue was measured. On day 15, the animals (eight per group) were slaughtered, and the tongue was removed from the oral cavity for histological and immunohistochemical investigation. Results: At day 15, rosuvastatin significantly reduced the severity of the cyclophosphamide-induced tongue lesion in terms of histological score and immunohistochemistry expression of MDA (P 0.05). Conclusion: Rosuvastatin, at a dose of 20mg/kg/day, provided antioxidant and histological grade-reducing protection against cyclophosphamide-induced tongue lesion, and hence could be utilized as a preventive drug against cyclophosphamide-induced tongue lesion.