Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of empagliflozin on cyclophosphamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 male Wistar rats were separated into 4 groups with 8 rats in each: the control group, cyclophosphamide group, empagliflozin group, and cyclophosphamide plus empagliflozin group. At the end of the experiment the rats' brains were removed for biochemical analysis of oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, total sulfhydryl, total oxidant status, and total antioxidant capacity) and histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Total sulfhydryl levels were increased in the empagliflozin group and empagliflozin and cyclophosphamide group compared to the cyclophosphamide group but histopathological findings were not improved. Furthermore, when empagliflozin treatment was used coupled with cyclophosphamide, necrosis was significantly higher. CONCLUSION: Empagliflozin has no protective effect on cyclophosphamide neurotoxicity, although it may have neurotoxic effects. Clarification of the possible neurotoxic/neuroprotective effects of empagliflozin would be beneficial for diabetic cancer patients who are receiving cyclophosphamide chemotherapy and empagliflozin together.