Launaea taraxacifolia Aqueous Extract Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Neurotoxicity by Decreasing Oxidative Stress and Neuronal Cell Death in Rats

Abstract

Cisplatin chemotherapy is associated with neurotoxicity, and oxidative stress might play an important role in the pathogenesis. Launaea taraxacifolia aqueous extract (LTAE) may be a preventive agent via its known antioxidant properties. The study was aimed at investigating the chemoprotective effects of LTAE against cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and alteration of microanatomy of rat brain. Thirty rats were divided equally into six groups: control; cisplatin (10 mg/kg i.p.); LTAE at 100, 400 mg/kg; LTAE (100 mg/kg) plus cisplatin; LTAE (400 mg/kg) plus cisplatin. LTAE was administered p.o. for 21 days while cisplatin was given as a single dose on day 21 of experiment. Rats were euthanized on the 25th day of treatment. Brain tissue was examined with regard to biochemical and microanatomical parameters. Cisplatin caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction of glutathione (GSH) by 50% when compared with the control group and elevation of lipid peroxidation (LPO), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) by 135%, 125% and 107% respectively. Co-treatment of LTAE 400 mg/kg with cisplatin elevated GSH by 105%, but significantly reduced LPO, SOD and CAT by 57%, 46% and 49% respectively.
Microscopically, cisplatin caused anatomical alterations in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, dentate gyrus and cornu ammonis 3 (CA3). Co-treatment of LTAE 100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg with cisplatin ameliorated both biochemical and histological alterations with the higher dose being more effective. In conclusion, Launaea taraxacifolia aqueous extract demonstrated chemoprotective effects against cisplatin-induced oxidative stress, neuronal death and alteration of microanatomy of rat brain, and these may be attributed to its antioxidant capabilities.