Objective: 

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of onion (Allium cepa) extracts (ACE) on DOX-induced aortic endothelial dysfunction.

Methods: 

The rats were randomly allotted into one of three experimental groups: control, DOX treated and DOX treated with ACE; each group contained 8 animals. Control group received 1 ml/day of saline by orally. The rats in ACE treated group was given a daily dose of 1 ml ACE for 14 days by using intra-gastric intubation. To induce cardiotoxicity, DOX (30 mg/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally by single dose and the rats were sacrificed after 48 hours. To date, no such studies have been performed on protective potential of ACE on DOX-induced aortic endothelial dysfunction.

Results: 

Our data indicate a significant reduction in the activity of in situ identification of apoptosis using terminal dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) in endothelial cells of the DOX treated group with ACE therapy. DOX treated with ACE groups induced a significant decrease in MDA levels, increased the activities of SOD, and GSH-Px in comparison with the DOX treated group.

Conclusions: 

ACE pre-treatment could attenuate endothelial dysfunction and it also possibly acts as a free radical scavenger. These results indicate that ACE pre-treatment might be useful in preventing endothelial dysfunction in DOX-induced toxicity in rats.