Gallic Acid Exhibits Splenic Protection and Enhances Haematopoietic Indices in Doxorubicin Challenge: A Supportive Therapeutic Role.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic agent that exhibits splenotoxicity and induce hematopoietic suppression in cancer patients. Gallic acid is an antioxidant and anti-tumor agent that protects non-cancer cells. Sixteen rats were randomly grouped into four (4) sub-groups of 4 rats. The control received 0.1 ml/kg/ i.p of normal saline, DOX alone group received 15 mg/kg, i.p of doxorubicin weekly, while the Low and high dose Gallic acid groups were given 15 mg/kg.i.p. of DOX and then treated with 60mg/kg and 120 mg/kg of Gallic acid orally for two weeks respectively. The blood samples were collected, for the analysis of hematologic parameters using the One-way ANOVA. The spleen was harvested and prepared for light microscopy and stained using Haematoxylin and Eosin. The study showed that Gallic acid exerts significant increase in the HB, PCV, MCHC, and WBC in both the Low and high dose groups and splenic-protective effect against the toxicity of Doxorubicin. Hence, Gallic acid prevented both splenic toxicity and haematopoietic suppression. As a result, this finding recommends its adoption in prophylaxis and as treatment option for Doxorubicin chemotherapy-induced splenotoxicity and haematopoietic suppression.

Key Words: doxorubicin, splenotoxicity, Gallic acid, chemotherapy, antioxidant, anti-tumor, hematopioesis