The protective effect of apelin-13 on cardiorenal toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide

Abstract

Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapeutic drug that is widely used in the clinic and can cause multi-organ toxicity. Apelin-13 is an endogenous adipocytokine with antioxidant properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possibility of apelin-13 being a potential therapeutic agent on cardiac toxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by cyclophosphamide. In this study, a total of 4 groups were formed, including 8 rats in each group. Group 1: The control group was administered only saline (ip). Group 2: Cyclophosphamide, a single dose of 200 mg/kg (ip) on day 7. Group 3: Apelin-13 (15 μg/kg), for 7 days (ip). Group 4: Administering apelin-13 (15 μg/kg) (ip) for 7 days and a single dose of cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg) (ip) on day 7, the rats were sacrificed on day 8. LDH, cTn1, cK-Mb, AST, ALT, ALP, MDA, creatinine, and BUN were found to be high in the cyclophosphamide group, however, these values were reduced with apelin-13 administration. Antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GPx, CAT, and GSH decreased in the cyclophosphamide group, apelin-13 increased these enzyme activities. In addition, histopathological examinations also supported the results obtained. The findings of this study showed that apelin-13 has a protective effect against cardiorenal toxicity caused by cyclophosphamide.