Investigation of Oxidative Stress Parameters and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in a Neuropathy Model Created with Taraxacum Officinale L. Leaf Extract and Cisplatin

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Taraxacum officinale leaf extract, a plant known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity. Cancer treatment has demonstrated platinum drugs, particularly cisplatin, as among the most effective treatments. However, the drug comes with serious side effects. The use of cisplatin is limited due to its cytotoxic effects, potentially preventing patients from benefiting optimally from anticancer agents. Taraxacum officinale has been used for various diseases for years, observed clinically in conditions such as dyspepsia, liver, gallbladder, and urinary disorders. Nowadays, Taraxacum officinale has entered our lives in various forms as a dietary supplement. However, this plant possesses many bioactivities, particularly potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties.In this study, chronic cisplatin administration was used to induce a peripheral neuropathy model, administered intraperitoneally (i.p) once a week for 5 weeks at a dose of 3 mg/kg. Taraxacum officinale leaf extract was administered intragastrically once daily at a dose of 500mg/kg for the same duration to determine its potential effects on cisplatin neuropathy. After drug administration, motor performance was evaluated using the rotarod test, while sensory transmission status was assessed using tail withdrawal and hot/cold plate tests. Oxidative stress parameters and proinflammatory cytokine markers were analyzed biochemically. In animals exposed to cisplatin, thermal hypoalgesia and cold hypoalgesia were observed (p<0.001), motor coordination balance was prolonged with the rotarod test (p<0.001), and tail withdrawal time was extended (p<0.001). Biochemically, oxidative stress parameters TOS (p<0.05), OSI (p<0.05), and MDA (p<0.05) levels significantly increased compared to the cisplatin control group. TAS levels provided a statistically significant increase compared to the cisplatin-administered group (p<0.05). Proinflammatory cytokine markers TNF-α (p<0.05), IL-6 (p<0.001), and NFKB (p<0.05) levels were found to be higher compared to the cisplatin control group. It was determined that Taraxacum officinale improved these side effects induced by cisplatin both behaviorally and biochemically. In conclusion, Taraxacum officinale leaf extract is a plant with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.