Vitamin C Protects Against Doxorubicin Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy: Role of Oxidative Stress

Doxorubicin is known for its significant cardiotoxicity, driven in part by elevated oxidative stress (OS). Furthermore, preclinical models have demonstrated that doxorubicin induces skeletal muscle atrophy. While vitamin C has been recognized as a valuable pharmacological intervention for mitigating cardiac toxicity, its impact on doxorubicin-induced skeletal muscle atrophy is still to be determined. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin C on the skeletal muscle of rats subjected to doxorubicin exposure. Indeed, doxorubicin led to a reduction in body weight and gastrocnemius muscle weight. It also increased H2O2, protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation in the gastrocnemius. On the other hand, vitamin C was able to prevent the loss in skeletal muscle mass, as well as, the increase in markers of oxidative stress. In addition, negative correlations between gastrocnemius muscle mass and markers of cell damage were found. In conclusion, vitamin C emerges as a protective agent against doxorubicin-induced skeletal muscle atrophy and oxidative stress. This suggests its potential application as a prophylactic measure for patients undergoing doxorubicin treatment. Keywords: Doxorubicin, Vitamin C, Oxidative Stress, Skeletal Muscle.