Impact of omega 3 alone or in combination with irinotecan on bone marrow and spleen of rats: in vivo study

Abstract Objectives: The present study designed to explore the genotoxicity through measurement of Mitotic index in bone marrow and the spleen cells, as possible mechanism of bone marrow and spleen toxicity that induced by irinotecan; and to describe the protective actions of omega 3 against irinotecan induced genotoxicity in bone marrow and the spleen of rats. Methods: Twenty four (24) rats (Sprague-Dawley) were randomly divided into four groups: Group Ӏ, rats  received single oral daily dose of distilled water (2 ml/kg) for 25 days (negative control group); Group ӀӀ (irinotecan-treated), received single daily oral dose of (2 ml/kg) distilled water for 25 days by the oral gavage and subsequently received irinotecan (50mg/kg) on days: 5, 10, 15 (total dose=150 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection; Group ӀӀӀ, received oral dose of Omega-3 fish oil (600mg/kg/day) daily for 25 successive days by oral gavage (Omega-3 fish oil-treated); Group ӀV (Omega-3 fish oil + irinotecan), received oral dose of Omega-3 fish oil (600mg/ kg/ day) given daily for 25 successive days by oral gavage, and received subsequently irinotecan (50mg / kg body weight) on days: 5, 10, 15 (total dose=150 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection. Results: Mitotic index in the Bone Marrow and in the Spleen Cells were shown to be significantly decreased (p<0.05) in rats treated with irinotecan (group ІІ) compared to corresponding levels in the negative control group (Group I) of the rats; Orally administered Omega-3 fish oil with total cumulative dose of irinotecan (Group IV), resulted in significant elevation (P<0.05) of the Mitotic index in bone marrow and the spleen cells compared to corresponding levels in rats treated with irinotecan (group ІІ). Conclusion: Results of current study suggested that the administration of Omega-3 fish oil could be useful supplements that may alleviate irinotecan induced genotoxicity through the elevation of mitotic indices in bone marrow and the spleen cells of the rats; but, in mild level.