Continuous Training and Crocin Supplementation Alleviates Doxorubicin-Induced Hepatocyte Apoptosis in Male Rats

 Chemotherapy drugs can cause liver damage by causing hepatotoxicity.

 This study aimed to determine the interactive effect of continuous training and Crocin supplementation on hepatocyte apoptosis in male rats induced by doxorubicin.

 In this experimental study, 40 Wistar rats were randomly assigned to: (1) healthy, (2) doxorubicin (Dox), (3) Dox + crocin (Cr), (4) Dox + continuous training (CT), and (5) Dox + CT + Cr. Group 1 received normal saline daily; groups 2 to 5 received (7 × 2 mg/kg) Dox intraperitoneal; groups 3 and 5 received 10 mg/kg crocin orally on a daily basis, and groups 4 and 5 were trained 5 days/week (60 - 70 of maximum speed) for 8 weeks.

 The Dox group had the highest mean percentage of apoptotic hepatocytes (64.33 ± 6.02) compared to other groups (P < 0.05). In contrast, tissue apoptosis was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in all intervention groups: Dox + CT (30.67 ± 4.04%), Dox + Cr (18 ± 2.64%), and Dox + CT + Cr (13.67 ± 1.52%); however, the improvement was greater in the group receiving crocin.

 Continuous training, Cr, and their combination significantly reduced hepatocyte apoptosis in male rats exposed to Dox-induced toxicity. However, a greater reduction in liver tissue apoptosis was recorded for the Crocin-treated groups.