Cisplatin (CP) is a common antitumor drug that has many side effects, one of which is hepatotoxicity. Oxidative stress induced by CP is the main mechanism it uses to cause hepatotoxicity. So, the research aims to investigate whether the antioxidant-rich Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract (GSLE) could ameliorate CP-induced hepatotoxicity. Five groups of six rats each were used in the trial: the control group, the GSLE group received orally 100 mg/kg BW, the CP group injected with a single intraperitoneal dose of 5 mg/kg BW, the CP + GSLE group and the GSLE + CP group. Sera and livers of rats were taken after 12 days (experiment duration) to evaluate biochemical markers and hepatic histopathological modifications. The hepatic levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and caspases (8, 9, and 12), as well as serum liver function biomarkers (ALT, AST, and TBIL), were all raised after CP injection. Furthermore, CP reduced the hepatic activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD) and caused hepatic damage in the form of hydropic, vacuolar, and fatty degeneration of hepatocytes. Meanwhile, GSLE administration reduced hepatic levels of MDA, NF-κB, TNF-α, caspases, and serum liver function biomarkers. Also, GSLE administration increased the hepatic activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the histopathological changes in hepatocytes. It can be concluded that the GSLE has the potential to counteract CP hepatotoxicity by decreasing the free radicals, inflammation, and apoptosis induced by CP.
Key words: Cisplatin; Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract; liver function biomarkers; hepatic oxidative stress; hepatic apoptosis
|