Investigation of the Protective Effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester against Cisplatin-induced Liver Damage in Rats

Abstract

Cisplatin (CP) is used as an effective chemotherapeutic drug in the treatment of various solid tumors. However, side effects such as hepatotoxicity limit the use of the drug. We investigated the protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), one of the active ingredients of propolis, against hepatotoxicity caused by CP treatment in the liver. 38 Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups. Control group was given physiological saline solution for 12 day. CP group was given a single dose of CP (7 mg/kg) on the day 7. CP+CAPE group, was given CAPE (10 μmol/kg/day) for 12 days and a single dose of CP (7 mg/kg) on day 7. CAPE group received CAPE (10 μmol/kg/day) for 12 days. Livers of rats sacrificed on the 14th day were stained with hematoxylin-eosin after histological tissue follow-up. The preparations were evaluated and scored. Rat weights were measured and recorded at the beginning and end of the experiment. CP caused significant histopathological changes in the liver. CP also prevented the increase in rat weight. CAPE played an effective role as a protective agent against the histopathological changes caused by CP and showed signs of tissue healing. Our results show that CAPE can be protective against hepatotoxicity associated with CP.