Cholecalciferol Ameliorates Cyclophosphamide-induced Behavioural Toxicities in Wistar Rats

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is a dietary supplement that has been shown to play crucial roles in brain development, immune regulation, neurotransmission and neuroprotection. While there are reports that it influences cognition and mental health there is a dearth of information on its benefits in mitigating cyclophosphamide induced behavioural deficits. This study investigated the possible protective effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on cyclophosphamide induced alterations in open field behaviours, spatial working memory and anxiety-related behaviours in rats. Sixty rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n=10). Groups A and D served as normal and cyclophosphamide control respectively and were fed standard rat chow, groups B and E received Vitamin D3 (300 IU/kg), while groups C and F received Vitamin D3 (600 IU/kg). Animals in group A-C received intraperitoneal normal saline on day1, while groups D-F got intraperitoneal Cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg/day on day1). Standard diet and Vitamin D3 supplementation were administered daily for 15 days. At the end of the experimental period, animals were exposed to the behavioural paradigm (open field, Y-maze, and elevated plus maze). Vitamin D3 mitigated CYP-induced anxiogenic behaviour (dose-dependent). It also significantly improved spatial working memory. The results highlight Vitamin D3s ability to influence CYP-induced loss in cognition in rats via its anxiolytic, cognitive and immune modulatory properties. They also harness Vitamin D3s potential as a possible adjunct in cancer chemotherapy. However, further research will be needed to specify its exact role in cancer chemotherapy.