Protective Role of Quercetin on Carmustine-induced Lung Toxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats

Background: Carmustine (BCNU) is an alkylating agent used as an antineoplastic agent. A major problem with the clinical use of BCNU is the occurrence of pulmonary toxicity. Quercetin (QUE) is an important polyphenolic flavonoid that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other health-promoting effects. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of QUE on BCNU-induced lung injury in rats using histologic and biochemical methods. Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups: Group I served as the control group. Group ?? received QUE orally in a dose of 100 mg/kg per day for 7 days. Group ??I received a single dose (30 mg/kg) of BCNU intraperitoneally (i.p.) on the 7th day of the study. Group ?V received (BCNU + QUE). On the 8th day of the experiment, lung tissues were collected for histopathological examinations. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydroxyproline (HYP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also determined in all dissected tissues. Results: Pretreatment with QUE ameliorated lung morphological changes noticed in the BCNU group and the levels of MDA, HYP, and MPO were significantly decreased whereas those of GSH, GSH-Px, and SOD were significantly increased. Conclusions: QUE provides a protective effect against BCNU-induced lung injury by reducing oxidative stress and pulmonary fibrosis.