Evaluation of the protective effect of thyme oil on possible toxicity of vinerlbine [navelbine] in mice

ABSTRACT

Vinorelbine [Navelbine] is a semi-synthetic vinca alkaloid derived from vinblastine which is used mainly to treat non-small cell lung cancer. One of the most recognized natural antioxidant is Thymus vulgaris which plays an important role in the chemoprevention of diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible hematological, kidney and lung toxicities of Navelbine in albino mice and to clarify the protective effects of Thyme oil when co-administrated with Navelbine. Eighty Male albino mice were divided into four groups normal control group, Navelbine treated group, Thyme oil treated group and Navelbine-Thyme oil treated group. Navelbine was injected intraperitoneal in mice in a dose of 10mg/kg/week for four weeks. Thyme oil was administered by gavage in a dose of 72 micro g/mice every second day for twenty days. Parameters done included complete blood picture, kidney function tests [blood urea and serum creatinine], albumin and total protein were measured. Histological analysis was conducted on tissues collected from kidney and lung of normal and treated groups. Results of this study showed that Navelbine caused mild to moderate anemia, significant leucopenia with relative lymphocytosis and thrombocytopenia. Navelbine induced mild renal toxicity in the form of increase in blood urea and serum creatinine. Serum total proteins and albumin were decreased. Histopathological changes observed in the mice kidney were in the form of heavy lymphocytic infiltrations, oedema in the glomeruli and congested blood vessels. Pulmonary histopathology showed congestion, distorted alveoli, mononuclear cells infiltrations, interseptal oedema and hyperplasia of the bronchiolar epithelial cells. By co-administration of Thyme oil improvement of haematological and biochemical parameters had occurred meanwhile mild changes had occurred on histological studies. In conclusion, Thyme oil could be used as a chemoprotective agent against Navelbine induced toxicity in albino mice