The protective effects of astaxanthin against cisplatin-induced retinal toxicity

Abstract

This study investigated the toxic effects of an antineoplastic agent, Cisplatin (CIS), on retinal cells and the potential capacity of Astaxanthin (ASTA) to elicit a future therapeutic protocol in CIS-induced retinal toxicity. Six groups were formed for the assessment; control (healthy; Group 1), olive oil (olive oil only; Group 2), ASTA control group (ASTA only, Group 3), the single intraperitoneal (IP) dose of 16 mg/kg CIS (CIS only group; Group 4), 16 mg/kg CIS + 25 mg/kg (IP) ASTA (Group 5) and 16 mg/kg CIS + 75 mg/kg (IP) ASTA (Group 6). On the third day after cisplatin administration, rats in all groups were sacrificed under anesthesia and the analysis of the biochemical parameters and histopathological levels were performed. A significant decrease in GSH levels and increases in MDA, eNOS, 8-OHdG expressions were recorded. Additionally, CIS treatment had caused acidophilic staining in retinal histological appearance. ASTA treatment reduced the increases in MDA, eNOS, and 8-OHdG levels following CIS administration and increased the levels of GSH expressions, as well. These results may suggest the ASTA molecule as a promising option to prevent retinal toxicity in patients receiving CIS treatment for malignant tumors.

Cytotoxicity of Seaweed Compounds, Alone or Combined to Reference Drugs, against Breast Cell Lines Cultured in 2D and 3D

“…When in combination with Cis, in MCF7, SKBR3, and MCF12A cell lines, Asta interfered with this drug action, as in the mixture, Cis 10 µM lost its effect. Asta has been previously described to confer protection against oxidative stress [121] and, in in vivo studies with rats, it had a protective effect against Cis-induced toxicity in the gastrointestinal tract [122], ear [123], and also retina [124], which could partially explain the loss of effect observed in the present study.…”

Astaxanthin and Coenzyme Q10 are not synergistic against oxidative damage in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis

“…Our model reflects the early stage of acute pancreatitis, and as expected, MDA levels and MPO activity were increased while GSH was decreased [5,10,[36][37][38][39]. GSH levels were later increased by ATX [36,40]. However, Q10 addition was not effective, parallel with the data of the abovementioned study [22].…”

Retinal Toxicity Induced by Chemical Agents

“…In rat retinas, a single intraperitoneal injection with CIS (16 mg/kg) increased the levels of MDA, as well as decreased the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH). Immunohistochemical assays revealed an increase in labeling for 8-hydroxy-2p-deoxyguanosine (marker of DNA damage) in horizontal cells and for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNO) in retinal blood vessel cells [ 114 ]. Blood samples from rats administered for 14 days with CIS (2.5 mg/kg) also revealed an increase in MDA, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the levels of the total oxidant system, but also in the pro-inflammatory cytokines, including the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β).…”

“…After treatment with CIS, the retinal tissue showed degeneration, edema, and vascular congestion with disorganization of the retinal layers. Optic nerve tissue anomalies have also been observed, such as destruction, hemorrhage, edema, and an increase in the number of astrocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes [ 114 , 115 , 116 , 117 ]. These data indicate that the ocular disorders found in patients treated with CIS may be due to an imbalance of antioxidant defenses and the production of ROS and nitrogen species, which induces cell damage and an inflammatory process.…”