Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin C on cisplatin (DDP)-induced anemia and explore its possible mechanisms in rats. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, vitamin C 50, vitamin C 100, DDP, DDP plus vitamin C 50 and DDP plus vitamin C 100-treated groups. DDP was intravenous injected as a single dose and vitamin C was administered by gavage. Serum erythropoietin (Epo), hemoglobin (Hb) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration were measured 4 and 14 days after DDP treatment. The changes of renal tissue were examined by light microscope. Administration of DDP to rats induced anemia and nephrotoxicity, characterized with a significant decrease in serum Epo and Hb and increase in BUN concentrations. Pathological examination revealed that DDP caused significant renal damage in rats. Vitamin C administration produced amelioration in biochemical indices of anemia and nephrotoxicity and in histological change when compared to group DDP alone; concurrent administration of vitamin C at doses of 100 mg/kg being more effective. Results from this study indicate that the novel natural antioxidant vitamin C might have protective effect against DDP-induced anemia in rats.