Electrochemical monitoring of the interaction of doxorubicin with nicotinamide and Fe(III) ions under aerobic and anaerobic conditions

The interaction of doxorubicin with Fe(III) ions and nicotinamide (NA) has been followed by square-wave voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry and UV–VIS. spectroscopy techniques at aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Fe(III)–doxorubicin complex gives a 1-electron reversible step at −0.494 V and a shoulder at 580 nm. Further, the Fe(III)–doxorubicin complex was found to be more stable at aerobic conditions. In the presence of NA, an intermediate (NA–Fe(III)–DQ) forms at −0.462 V under aerobic conditions. Because of the formation of this intermediate, nicotinamide may reduce the cardiotoxic effect of doxorubicin and cause to its detoxification.