The Effects of Morin, a Naturally Occurring Flavonoid, on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Toxicity in Rats

Background. The use of cyclophosphamide (CPX) as an anticancer or immunosuppressive drug is strongly limited by its toxicity. Pronounced changes are observed, e. g. in the hematological system, especially decreases in leukocyte and platelet levels. It has been shown that different flavonoids exhibit antioxidant properties and protect against some of the adverse effects caused by anticancer drugs such as cyclophosphamide. Morin is one of the naturally occurring flavonoids with antioxidant properties, but little is known about its possible action against CPX-induced toxicity. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of morin (3,5,7,2',4'-pentahydroxyflavone), a naturally occurring flavonoid, on cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity. Material and Methods. The experiment was carried out on Wistar rats of both sexes (202.6 g +/- 18.2 g) divided into three groups of 12: group C, receiving 0.9% saline; group CX, receiving CPX (15 mg/kg); and group M-CX, receiving CPX (15 mg/kg) and morin (100 mg/kg). All the substances were given intragastrically for 10 days. On the 10th day of the study, the animals were placed in metabolic cages for 24 hours for urine collection. On the 11th day blood samples were collected for assessment of biochemical parameters (total protein, glucose, urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, GGTP and amylase) and blood morphology parameters (WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC and PLT). Creatinine and total protein concentrations were also measured in the daily urine collection. Results. CPX significantly inhibited body weight gain, and this was further aggravated by morin. CPX also significantly decreased leukocyte and platelet levels as well as red blood cell counts and hematocrit values. Only erythrocyte levels were partly restored by co-administrating morin. CPX induced significant hypoproteinemia in many biochemical parameters; this was completely brought back to normal by morin administration. Conclusions. Before morin is widely recommended as a dietary supplement it is necessary to clarify its utility as a chemoprotective agent. On the basis of this study morin's action as a substance decreasing CPX-induced toxicity is rather doubtful (Adv Clin Exp Med 2011, 20, 6, 683-690).