Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic agent and is widely used in cancer treatment. There are some studies suggesting oxidative stress-induced toxic changes in the liver due to DOX administration. The aim of this study was to reveal the oxidative damage of DOX in liver tissue at molecular level and to evaluate the protective effect of Montelukast (ML) against DOX oxidative damage.

Twenty four male rats were equally divided into 4 groups. The first group was used as control. The second group received a single dose of DOX. The third group received ML for 28 days. The fourth group received a single dose of DOX, followed by ML for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, liver tissues were taken from all animals. Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Total Oxidant Capacity (TOC) levels were determined in these samples by spectrophotometric methods. The histopathological changes of liver tissue were observed routinely in histological staining.

It was determined that TOC level increased, TAC levels decreased in the group given DOX compared to the control group. In addition, TAC levels increased in the DOX+ML group, but did not approach the control group levels. It was showed the occurrence of congestion in portal triad, and pycnotic cells degeneration in DOX group.