Vitamins C and E prevent AZT-induced leukopenia and loss of cellularity in bone marrow. Studies in mice

• Published in: Free radical research Vol. 41; no. 3; pp. 330 - 334
• Main Authors: García-de-la-Asunción, J., Gómez-Cambronero, L. G., Del Olmo, M. L., Pallardó, F. V., Sastre, J., Viña, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa UK Ltd 01.01.2007; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: AIDS; Animals; Anti-HIV Agents - antagonists & inhibitors; Anti-HIV Agents - toxicity; Antioxidant treatment; Antioxidants - therapeutic use; Ascorbic Acid - therapeutic use; AZT-induced leukopenia; bone marrow; Bone Marrow Cells - drug effects; cellularity; Leukopenia - chemically induced; Leukopenia - prevention & control; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; peroxide levels; Vitamin E - therapeutic use; Zidovudine - antagonists & inhibitors; Zidovudine - toxicity
• ISSN: 1071-5762; 1029-2470
• DOI: 10.1080/10715760600868537

A major limitation in the use of AZT for AIDS treatment is the occurrence of side effects, such as leukopenia. The effects of antioxidant vitamins C and E on AZT-induced leukopenia were investigated in mice. Mice were divided into four groups: (1) controls; (2) AZT-treated; (3) treated with AZT plus vitamins C and E; and (4) pre-treated with vitamins and then treated with AZT plus vitamins. Our results demonstrate that AZT causes leukopenia in mice, which was abrogated by administration of vitamins C and E in the pre-treated group. These vitamins prevented the decrease in cellular content induced by AZT in bone marrow and diminished peroxide levels in myeloid precursors in bone marrow. AZT also caused an increase in plasma malondialdehyde and blood oxidized glutathione levels, which was prevented by the administration of antioxidant vitamins. In conclusion, oxidative stress is involved in AZT-induced leukopenia which may be prevented by antioxidant treatment.