Chloroquine and gemifloxacin potentiate the anticancer effect of doxorubicin: In-vitro and in-vivo models

Abstract

Doxorubicin is one of the most effective anthracycline anticancer drugs, but it causes several adverse effects. Our study was designed to assess the consequences of combining doxorubicin with chloroquine or gemifloxacin. Drugs cytotoxicity was assessed on two different cell lines; A549 lung adenocarcinoma and MCF7 breast cancer. The in-vitro oxidative stress was also measured. In the in-vivo experiment, Ehrlich ascetis carcinoma-bearing mice, different treatments with doxorubicin, chloroquine, gemifloxacin and their combinations were evaluated. Survival indices (MST and ILS%) and blood biochemical parameters as well as the histopathological picture were studied. Results showed that, doxorubicin combinations were more cytotoxic on MCF7 and A549 cell lines than doxorubicin alone. The combinations significantly decreased the oxidative stress resulted from doxorubicin treatment. Furthermore, these combinations improved hematological parameters and histopathological pictures in the treated mice. In conclusion, chloroquine and gemifloxacin significantly enhance the antitumor properties of doxorubicin and reduce its toxicity.