Empagliflozin effects on cyclophosphamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats without diabetes

Abstract

Background/aim: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of empagliflozin on cyclophosphamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats.Materials and methods: A total of 32 male Wistar rats were separated into 4 groups as 8 rats each: control group, cyclophosphamide group, empagliflozin group and the cyclophosphamide plus empagliflozin group. At the end of the experiment rats' brains were removed for biochemical analysis of oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, total sulfhydryl, total oxidant status and total antioxidant capacity) and histopathological analysis.Results: Total sulfhydryl levels were increased in group empagliflozin and group empagliflozin and cyclophosphamide compared to the cyclophosphamide group but did not improve histopathological findings. Furthermore, when empagliflozin treatment was used coupled with cyclophosphamide, necrosis was significantly higher. Conclusion: In conclusion, empagliflozin has no protective effect on cyclophosphamide neurotoxicity in addition it may have neurotoxic effects. Clarification of possible neurotoxic/neuroprotective effects of empagliflozin would be beneficial for diabetic cancer patients who are receiving cyclophosphamide chemotherapy and empagliflozin together.