Contribution of garlic for improving the cytoprotective effect of mesna against cyclophosphamide toxicity in rats

Cyclophosphamide (CYP), an oxazophosphorine- alkylating agent, is a widely used drug for treatment of neoplastic and severe autoimmune diseases. Adverse effects of CYP restrict its therapeutic benefits. Mesna (MS), a thiol compound, is used as a protective agent against hemorrhagic cystitis induced by CYP. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of raw garlic homogenate (RGH) for improving the protective effect of mesna against CYP toxicity in rats. Thirty male albino rats were divided into five equal groups. Control group, CYP group (a single i.p. dose, 200 mg/kg b.wt.), CYP+MS group (a total dose of 120 mg/kg b.wt. in three equal doses, i.p.), CYP+RGH group (500 mg/kg b.wt., orally, once daily 5 days before and after CYP injection) and CYP+MS+RGH group. CYP induced hematological changes, including significant reduction of RBCs, Hb, PCV with thrombocytopenia and leukocytopenia. Also, significant increase in serum MDA content concomitantly with significant reduction in TAC was recorded. This was associated with histopathological alterations in the examined tissues. However, mesna and/or garlic improved the recorded hematological, biochemical and histopathological alterations induced by CYP with marked improvement using their combination. In conclusion, garlic supplementation in combination with mesna could be of a great value to introduce therapeutic strategies for patients undertaking cyclophosphamide therapy.