Protective effect of Boerhaavia diffusa on cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity- Role of apoptosis and oxidative stress

Abstract

Objective: To study the preventive effect of Boerhaaviadiffusa (BD) extract on cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in animal model.

Materials and Methods:The wistar rats were divided into four groups for different treatment allocation. The rats were given rodent chow,Boerhaaviadiffusa (BD) extract (200 mg/Kg body weight), Cisplatin injection (7mg/kg BW) and BD with cisplatin injection for 15 days. Subsequently, blood samples and renal tissues were collected before sacrificing animals. The samples were used for routine biochemical analysis and tissues were used for gene expression, immunohistochemistry and histopathology studies.

Results:Cisplatin-injected rats significantly declined renal function, induced oxidative stressand apoptosis. The apoptotic gene such as bax and caspase-3 were significantly upregulated and Bcl-2 was downregulated in cisplatin-treated rats when compared to control rats. Pre-treatment with BD extract improved renal function by decreasing oxidative stress and improved anti-oxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Catalase. Further BD extract decreased perivascular inflammation, necrosis and nuclear dropout in histopathological analysis.BD extract also increased the expression of anti-apoptotic genes and decreased apoptotic gene expression in cisplatin-treated rats.

Conclusions:Boerhaavia diffusais beneficial in alleviating the nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin. The effect is mediated mainly by decreasing oxidative stress, inflammation and its anti-apoptotic effects.