| abstract |
The present invention relates to cytoprotective compositions for preventing and reducing lesions caused in mammalian cells by a drug having cytotoxic characteristics. According to one embodiment, the cytoprotective composition comprises a) a pyruvate selected from the group consisting of pyruvic acid, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of pyruvic acid and mixtures thereof, and, b) an antioxidant. According to a second embodiment, the cytoprotective composition comprises a pyruvate selected from the group consisting of pyruvic acid, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of pyruvic acid and mixtures thereof, b), an antioxidant, and c) a mixture saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, these fatty acids being those required to repair cell membranes and renew mammalian cells. These compositions can be incorporated into a wide variety of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients for preparing pharmaceutical products. The invention also relates to methods of preparing and using the cytoprotective compositions, and to pharmaceuticals in which they can be used. |