Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the pretreatment effects of time courses of training and different doses of medication in multiple organs (liver and heart) of rats treated with doxorubicin (DOX).

Methods: in this experimental study, Seventy-two Wistar male rats were randomly assigned to control and training groups with three subgroups: DOX 10mg/kg, DOX 20mg/kg and saline. The training protocol included treadmill running progressively between 25 to 54 min/day and 15 to 20 m/min, 5 days/week for 6 and 3 weeks. DOX and saline injection was performed 24 hr after the last exercise session, and tissue collection was done 24 hr after the injections.

Results: Acute administration of DOX 20mg/kg, caused a significant increase in Heat Shock Protein (HSP) and significant decrease in Catalase (CAT) and difference between two tissue (liver and heart) was significant. Six and three weeks training before DOX 20 mg/kg and DOX 10 mg/kg administration led to insignificant and significant increase in HSP, in the liver and heart, respectively. In addition, six weeks training before administration of different doses of DOX, led to significant increase in CAT in both tissue. Also, there was significant difference between two tissues after six and three weeks training.

Conclusion: The results of the present study represent that regular aerobic exercise, by increasing protective and antioxidant markers, can be prescribed as a pretreatment strategy against DOX-induced tissue toxicity (liver and heart).