Neuroprotective effect of N-acetylcysteine against cisplatin-induced toxicity in rat brain by modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation

Abstract

Background

Neurotoxicity is a major obstacle to the effectiveness of cisplatin (CDDP) in cancer chemotherapy. Oxidative stress and inflammation are considered to be the major mechanisms involved in CDDP-induced neurotoxicity. The rationale of our study was to investigate the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) at two different doses in the management of CDDP-induced toxicity in rat brain by monitoring its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Methods

Thirty-five male rats were divided into five groups (n=7) as follows: control group (0.5 mL saline), NAC₁₀₀ group (100 mg/kg), CDDP group (8 mg/kg), NAC₅₀-CDDP group (50 mg/kg NAC and 8 mg/kg CDDP), and NAC₁₀₀-CDDP group (100 mg/kg NAC and 8 mg/kg CDDP). NAC was administered for 20 consecutive days, while CDDP was injected once on day 15 of the treatment protocol.

Results

The neurotoxicity of CDDP was evidenced by a marked increase in acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase activities. It also induced oxidative stress as indicated by increased levels of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, and protein carbonyl with a concomitant decline in reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the brain. Moreover, CDDP enhanced the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6. Treatment with NAC at the two selected doses significantly attenuated CDDP-induced changes in the brain cholinergic function, improved the brain oxidant/antioxidant status, and also reversed the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in brain and serum.

Conclusion

NAC could serve as an appropriate and safe complementary therapeutic agent to attenuate the toxicity of CDDP in the brain and therefore improve its outcomes in chemotherapy.

Keywords:

• cisplatin
• neurotoxicity
• brain
• N-acetylcysteine
• rats

Introduction

Platinum-derived chemotherapies are widely used for the treatment of several tumors.¹ As one of the leading platinum chemotherapies, cisplatin (CDDP) has been extensively prescribed since it was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1978.² However, the adverse treatment reactions and the multiple iatrogenic toxicities constrain the therapeutic usefulness of CDDP.³ Neurotoxicity has been identified as one of the most serious problems associated with CDDP chemotherapy.⁴ About 40%–50% of patients receiving CDDP therapy develop moderate or severe neuropathy which may result in discontinuation or even terminating the course of the chemotherapy.⁵ Many studies reported on peripheral neuropathy of CDDP; however, few reports focused on its central neurotoxicity.^6–8

Different mechanisms have been presumed for the neuro-toxic effect of CDDP, including oxidative injury, activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis.⁹ Interstrand and intrastrand cross-linking of DNA is also believed to be one of the important mechanisms involved in the toxicity of CDDP.¹⁰ Furthermore, free oxygen radicals are known to induce oxidative DNA damage.¹¹ CDDP can also affect the mitochondria through the formation of adducts with mitochondrial DNA which evokes morphological alterations and induces failure in energy production.¹² The therapeutic role played by CDDP cannot be abandoned. Therefore, finding out a new and safe adjunct therapy to protect against the neurotoxicity of CDDP is a prime goal of preclinical studies. Since oxidative stress and inflammation are key hallmarks in the development of CDDP neurotoxicity, using an agent possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities may be promising against the drug-related toxicity.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is thiolic amino acid that has been reported to scavenge free radicals, replenish reduced glutathione (GSH) and prevent its depletion, and inhibit lipid peroxidation (LPO).¹³ It can also restore the deterioration in the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance via its metal-chelation activity.¹⁴ NAC possesses neurovascular-protective actions and shows a positive effect in the treatment of neurological disorders through its ability to downregulate inflammation and oxidative stress.^15,16 Furthermore, NAC has been shown to be able to cross the blood–brain barrier and improve brain dysfunctions.^17,18 It also increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor which supports the survival of existing neurons and can stimulate neurogenesis.¹⁶ We previously demonstrated the protective effect of NAC, either alone or combined with taurine, against the nephrotoxicity of CDDP in rats.¹⁹ In the current study, we aimed to further validate the neurotoxicity of CDDP in rat brain. Hitherto, the protective effect of NAC against the toxicity of CDDP in the brain of rats was not reported. Therefore, the main goal of our study was to investigate, for the first time, the effectiveness of NAC at two different doses in the management of CDDP-induced brain injury in rats. Markers of neurotoxicity, oxidant/antioxidant indices, and pro-inflammatory mediators were monitored to have an insight into the possible mechanism(s) by which NAC possibly protects the brain against CDDP toxicity in rats.

Materials and methods

Chemicals and drugs

CDDP (Cis-diaminodicholoroplatinum II) and NAC (the N-acetyl derivative of cysteine) were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich Co. (St Louis, MO, USA). Both agents were dissolved in physiological saline. The assay kits for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were obtained from RayBiotech (Norcross, GA, USA). All other reagents and assay kits used in this study were purchased from Biodiagnostic Co. (Giza, Egypt).

Animals and experimental design

Thirty-five adult male rats (weighing 190–210 g) were used in the study. Rats were housed in cages at a temperature of 22°C±2°C and under a 12-hour light/dark cycle. Food and water were available to the rats throughout the study. All procedures and animal handling conformed to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of the National Institutes of Health. The experimental protocol of the study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Alexandria University, Egypt (Approval number AU04190126301). Rats were acclimatized to the laboratory conditions for 7 days, and then they were randomly assigned to five experimental groups (n=7). Group 1 (untreated control) was injected with 0.5 mL saline once daily throughout the experimental study. Group 2 (NAC₁₀₀ group) was administered with 100 mg/kg of NAC. Group 3 (CDDP group) received a single dose of CDDP (8 mg/kg). Group 4 (CDDP-NAC₅₀) received 50 mg/kg of NAC and 8 mg/kg of CDDP. Group 5 (CDDP-NAC₁₀₀) was administered with 100 mg/kg of NAC and 8 mg/kg of CDDP. The doses of NAC and CDDP were selected based on the literature.^18,20 Both CDDP and NAC were injected intraperitoneally in 0.9% saline. CDDP was injected once on day 15 of the study, while the administration of NAC started 14 days before CDDP administration and continued thereafter for 5 more days.

Separation of serum and preparation of whole-brain homogenate

Twenty-four hours after completion of the treatment protocol, rats were sacrificed under anesthesia for collecting blood and brain samples. Serum was separated by centrifugation at 3,000 rpm for 15 minutes. The collected sera were used for measuring the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. The whole brain was isolated, freed from any adherent fatty tissues, and washed with physiological saline. Brain extract was prepared by homogenization of 1 g of the brain tissue in 10 volumes of cold potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) containing 0.1 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) using Potter-Elvehjem type glass-Teflon homogenizer. The homogenate was centrifuged at 4,000 rpm for 20 minutes and the clear supernatant was separated and stored at -20°C for further assays.

Determination of acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase activities in the brain

The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain, expressed as µg/mg protein, was measured according to the method of Ellman et al.²¹ Monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was assayed in the brain based on the enzymatic oxidation of benzylamine hydrochloride and was expressed as nmol/mg protein.²²

Assessment of brain oxidant and antioxidant status

Brain LPO (as malondialdehyde [MDA]) was determined according to the method of Ohkawa et al.²³ It was expressed as nmol/mg protein. Protein carbonyl (PC), an indicator of protein oxidation, was measured based on the reaction with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine.²⁴ The carbonyl content was measured at 430 nm and expressed as nmol/mg protein. Nitric oxide level was assayed based on the reaction of nitrite content with Griess reagent to form a colored compound that absorbs light at 540 nm.²⁵ The results were expressed as nmol/mg protein. The total antioxidant capacity of the brain was determined based on inhibition of the blue-green color of ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]) radical by the antioxidants in the sample.²⁶ Inhibition of the color formation was proportional to the concentration of total antioxidants, and results were expressed as mmol Trolox equivalent/mg protein. GSH content was determined in the brain using Elman’s reagent (5, 5′-Dithiobis [2-nitrobenzoic acid]) and the results were expressed as mmol/mg protein.²⁷ The activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) was determined by measuring the conjugation of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene to GSH and the subsequent increase in absorbance at 340 nm.²⁸ The GST activity was directly proportional to the rate of increase. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was measured indirectly by coupled reaction with glutathione reductase.²⁹ Catalase (CAT) activity was determined by monitoring the decline in absorbance due to the degradation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at 240 nm.³⁰ Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined using nitro blue tetrazolium dye.³¹ The activities of GST, GPx, CAT, and SOD were expressed as U/mg protein.

Measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain homogenate and the serum

The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were determined in both the brain and the serum according to the method illustrated in the ELISA kit. Absorbance was measured at 450 nm, and results were expressed as pg/mg protein when measured in the brain and as pg/mL when measured in the serum.

Data analysis

Statistical analysis was performed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17.0 for Windows. The normality of distribution of samples was tested by quantile– quantile plot. Data showed normal distribution and were presented as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Differences among the experimental groups were tested by one-way ANOVA followed by Fisher’s least significance difference post hoc analysis. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

NAC reduced the activities of acetyl-cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase in the brain of rats treated with CDDP

Figure 1A and B illustrates the effect of NAC on the activity of AChE and MAO in the brain of rats administered CDDP. Intraperitoneal injection of 8 mg/kg of CDDP significantly enhanced the activities of AChE (127.4%, P=0.023) and MAO (139.5%, P=0.016) in the brain compared to the control. Both doses of NAC significantly protected against the increase in AChE and MAO activities as compared to the CDDP group. Furthermore, 100 mg/kg of NAC was found to be more effective in improving these enzymes as compared with 50 mg/kg. Administration of NAC alone at a higher dose (100 mg/kg) induced a nonsignificant change in AChE and MAO activities compared to the control group.

Figure 1 Effect of NAC (50 and 100 mg/kg) on CDDP-induced changes in the activities of (A) AChE (µg/mg protein) and (B) MAO (nmol/mg protein) in the brain of rats.

Notes: Data are shown as the mean ± standard error of mean (n=7). Bars with different superscripts (a–d) are significantly different (P=0.023 and P=0.016 for AChE and MAO, respectively).
Abbreviations: AChE, acetylcholinesterase; CDDP, cisplatin; MAO, monoamine oxidase; NAC, N-acetylcysteine.

Effect of NAC on CDDP-induced alteration in the brain oxidative status

The oxidative status of the brain was evaluated by assessing the levels of MDA, NO, and PC in the tissue (Table 1). Administration of CDDP provoked a statistically significant increase in the brain level of MDA (161.4%, P=0.006), NO (115.9%, P=0.002), and PC (175.8%, P<0.001) as compared to the control group. These CDDP-induced changes in the oxidative status were significantly and dose-dependently reversed upon administration of NAC. Treatment with 100 mg/kg of NAC decreased the levels of MDA, NO, and PC by 55.5%, 45.2%, and 52% while 50 mg/kg of NAC reduced them by 38.3%, 35%, and 29.5%, respectively, compared with the CDDP group. Administration of the higher dose of NAC without CDDP was safe and showed nonsignificant change in the levels of MDA, NO, and PC when compared to the control.

Table 1 Effect of NAC (50 and 100 mg/kg) on oxidative stress biomarkers in the brain of CDDP-treated rats

Groups	MDA (nmol/mg protein)	NO (nmol/mg protein)	PC (nmol/mg protein)
Control	13.84^a±0.64	48.71^a±4.62	1.24^a±0.21
NAC100	12.12^a±1.49	45.71^a±5.20	1.16^a±0.14
CDDP	36.18^b±4.30	105.20^b±9.45	3.42^b±0.20
NAC50-CDDP	22.31^a,b±2.26	68.43^a,c±8.10	2.41^a,b±0.16
NAC100-CDDP	16.11^a±1.10	57.60^a,d±5.33	1.64^a±0.10

Notes: Values are expressed as the mean ± standard error of mean for each experimental group (n=7). Mean values within the same column having different superscripts (a–d) are significantly different (P=0.006, P=0.002, and P<0.001 for MDA, NO, and PC, respectively).

Abbreviations: CDDP, cisplatin; MDA, malondialdehyde; NAC, N-acetylcysteine; NO, nitric oxide; PC, protein carbonyl.

NAC modulated CDDP-induced change in the brain antioxidant status

The influence of NAC on CDDP-induced change in the brain antioxidant status is illustrated in Figure 2 and Table 2. Intraperitoneal injection of 8 mg/kg of CDDP significantly decreased the brain total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (51.3%, P=0.003) and the GSH level (58.8%, P=0.007) as shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, a significant reduction was reported in the activity of GPx (63.6%, P=0.002), GST (60.6%, P=0.046), SOD (67.9%, P=0.002), and CAT (66.1%, P=0.018) relative to the control group (Table 2). Treatment with NAC significantly improved the antioxidant status of the brain as shown by the increase in the levels of these antioxidants compared with CDDP group. Comparing the effect of the two doses used in the treatment, the higher dose of NAC was found to be more effective in improving the antioxidant status of the brain. It is also apparent that administration of 100 mg/kg of NAC without CDDP did not induce a significant change in the TAC, the level of GSH, and the activities of GPx, GST, SOD, and CAT when compared with the control.

Table 2 Effect of NAC treatment on the activity of the enzymatic antioxidants GPx, GST, SOD, and CAT in the brain of rats administered CDDP

Groups	GPx (U/mg protein)	GST (U/mg protein)	SOD (U/mg protein)	CAT (U/mg protein)
Control	5.82^a±0.12	102.10^a±8.12	10.82^a±1.12	12.41^a±1.12
NAC100	6.11^a±0.30	106.52^a±9.07	11.60 ±1.09^a	12.71^a±1.10
CDDP	2.12^b±0.20	40.27^b±5.11	3.47^b±0.51	4.21^b±0.52
NAC50-CDDP	4.20^a,c±0.51	79.42^a,b±8.30	7.44^a,c±1.06	8.30^a,b±0.73
NAC100-CDDP	5.31^a±0.45	92.21^a,c±7.81	8.93^a,c,d±1.23	10.92^a,c±1.22

Notes: Values are expressed as the mean ± standard error of mean for each experimental group (n=7). Mean values within the same column having different superscripts (a–d) are significantly different (P=0.002, P=0.046, P=0.002, and P=0.018 for GPx, GST, SOD, and CAT, respectively).

Abbreviations: CAT, catalase; CDDP, cisplatin; GPx, glutathione peroxidase; GST, glutathione S-transferase; NAC, N-acetylcysteine; SOD, superoxide dismutase.

Figure 2 Effect of NAC (50 and 100 mg/kg) on CDDP-induced changes in the levels of (A) TAC (mmol Trolox equivalent/mg protein) and (B) GSH (mmol/mg protein) in the brain of rats.

Notes: Data are shown as the mean ± standard error of mean (n=7). Bars with different superscripts (a–c) are significantly different (P=0.003 and P=0.007 for TAC and GSH, respectively).
Abbreviations: CDDP, cisplatin; GSH, reduced glutathione; NAC, N-acetylcysteine; TAC, total antioxidant capacity.

NAC attenuated CDDP-induced increase in the brain and serum pro-inflammatory cytokines

According to Table 3, intraperitoneal injection of 8 mg/kg of CDDP provoked a marked neuro-inflammation. It significantly enhanced the levels of TNF-α (162.3%, P=0.003), IL-1β (147.2%, P=0.012), and IL-6 (113.3%, P=0.033) in the brain tissue and also in the serum (159.1%, 125.1%, and 137.8%, P<0.001) relative to the control group. Treatment with NAC exerted an anti-inflammatory action. The dosage of 50 mg/kg of NAC significantly decreased the CDDP-induced elevation in the brain TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 by 32.2%, 41.7%, and 35.1%, respectively, compared to the CDDP group. Furthermore, treatment with 100 mg/kg of NAC was found to be more effective in modulating the neuro-inflammation as shown by a decrease in the levels of TNF-α (47.2%), IL-1β (51.5%), and IL-6 (44.3%), respectively, compared with the CDDP group. Similar improvement was recorded in the serum levels of these pro-inflammatory cytokines. It is worth mentioning that the administration of 100 mg/kg of NAC was safe and induced nonsignificant change in the level of the measured pro-inflammatory cytokines as compared to the control group.

Table 3 Effect of NAC treatment (50 and 100 mg/kg) on the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the brain and the serum of rats administered CDDP

Groups	Brain			Serum
	TNF-α (pg/mg protein)	IL-1β (pg/mg protein)	IL-6 (pg/mg protein)	TNF-α (pg/mL)	IL-1β (pg/mL)	IL-6 (pg/mL)
Control	14.80^a±0.94	28.00^a±3.11	60.30^a±4.80	18.60^a±1.12	120.14^a±9.10	90.17^a±5.80
NAC100	12.23^a±1.08	25.60^a±2.20	59.35^a±5.22	19.36^a±1.70	116.72^a±8.45	87.40^a±6.75
CDDP	38.82^b±4.10	69.21^b±7.31	128.61^b±10.21	48.20^b±5.36	270.30^b±15.17	214.45^b±14.60
NAC50-CDDP	26.31^c±3.41	40.35^c±6.20	83.50^c±7.14	31.11^c±4.15	192.54^c±12.20	146.20^c ±10.22
NAC100-CDDP	20.51^a,c,d±2.16	33.60^a,c±5.12	71.70^a,c,d±6.18	23.70^a,d±4.40	136.10^a,d±10.12	108.77^a,d ±8.55

Notes: Values are expressed as the mean ± standard error of mean for each experimental group (n=7). Mean values within the same column having different superscripts (a–d) are significantly different (P=0.003, P=0.012, P=0.033 for TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 in the brain, respectively, and P<0.001 for all three parameters in the serum).

Abbreviations: CDDP, cisplatin; NAC, N-acetylcysteine; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α; IL-1β, interleukin-1β; IL-6, interleukin-6.

Discussion

Neurotoxicity is a frequent adverse effect of chemotherapies including CDDP. Clarification of mechanisms implicated in CDDP neurotoxicity is important to find out an effective complementary therapy. Different mechanisms have been proposed; however, oxidative injury and inflammation seem to be the basic mechanisms in the neurotoxicity of CDDP.⁹ Results of the present study pointed out to a strong neurotoxic effect for CDDP in the brain of rats which was evidenced by the enhanced activities of AChE and MOA, altered oxidative/antioxidative status, and enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Because of its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, the neuroprotective effect of NAC against CDDP-induced brain injury was investigated in the present study for the first time. Two different doses of NAC were selected (50 and 100 mg/kg). Results showed that the two doses of NAC, especially the higher one, were effective in attenuating the neurotoxic effect of CDDP in the brain. It effectively improved the cholinergic dysfunction, restored the deterioration in the brain oxidant/antioxidant status, and suppressed the neuro-inflammation.

Cholinergic dysfunction is a primary sign of neurotoxicity. Herein, the toxicity of CDDP in the brain was characterized by a significant increase in AChE activity which agrees with previous studies.^32,33 Increased production of ROS may be one of the reasons behind the increase in AChE activity. ROS have been found to enhance the peroxidation of the plasma membrane which affects the integrity and functionality of the cholinergic system.³⁴ Moreover, CDDP in our study significantly enhanced the activity of MAO in the brain. MAO was reported to catalyze the oxidative deamination of monoamine neurotransmitters which generates H₂O₂ as a byproduct.³⁵ Therefore, the enhanced activity of MAO may an important mechanism in increasing the production of H₂O₂, thereby augmenting oxidative stress. Treatment with NAC in the present study restored the normal activity of AChE and MAO. NAC has been reported to be an AChE inhibitor.³⁶ The ameliorative effect of NAC may be largely attributed to its antioxidant action and its ability to quench free radicals.

The brain is at high risk of oxidative damage because of its high utilization of oxygen, high content of non-heme iron which contributes to the production of ROS, and high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids.³⁷ It is well established that CDDP can disturb the redox homeostasis. It can enhance the generation of ROS which subsequently attack and damage multiple subcellular macromolecules such as lipids and proteins.³⁸ Therefore, oxidative modification of lipids and proteins may be one of the mechanisms behind the observed CDDP-induced neurotoxicity. This hypothesis was further confirmed in the present study by the enhanced level of MDA (the end product of LPO) and PC (a reliable indicator for protein oxidation) in the brain. These results are in agreement with earlier reports.^20,39 NO is a strong damaging free radical when produced in excess. It can combine with the available superoxide radical to form peroxynitrite, a more powerful oxidant. This radical can actively react with lipids, proteins, DNA, and can also inactivate GSH and GPx.³⁹ The involvement of NO in the toxicity of CDDP has been reported and was attributed to the enhancement of inducible NO syn-thase.⁴⁰ Results from our study showed a marked increase in NO level in the brain of CDDP-administered rats which agrees with Aydin et al.²⁰ CDDP-induced changes in MDA, PC, and NO levels were significantly alleviated with NAC treatment. The ameliorative effect of NAC may be largely attributed to its ability to eradicate free radicals. Evidence supports the potent radical scavenging activity of NAC as being a sulfhydryl donor that can directly react with free radicals and/or its metal chelating activity.^13,14 These beneficial effects of NAC may interpret its capability to restore the normal oxidant status of the brain in our study.

Cellular antioxidants, both enzymatic and nonenzymatic, are necessary to combat oxidative stress. In our study, the antioxidant status of the brain was significantly suppressed as evidenced by the decrease in the TAC, the level of GSH, as well as the activities of GPx, GST, SOD, and CAT in the brain upon administration of CDDP. Similar inhibition in the antioxidant defense system was reported in previous studies.^33,41 These results support the hypothesis that the mechanism of CDDP-induced neurotoxicity is associated with depletion of the endogenous antioxidants. Suppression of the brain antioxidant status may be a result of the enhanced production of oxidants as mentioned earlier. The brain antioxidant status was significantly improved upon NAC treatment. These results support the notion that the protective effect of NAC is mostly mediated through its antioxidant activity. NAC has been reported to potentiate the cellular antioxidant defense system by replenishing the production of GSH.¹³

Pro-inflammatory cytokines are key mediators implicated in the pathophysiological processes associated with brain injury.⁴² Among the pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 are extremely potent and considered to be the major cytokines because they can also initiate a cascade of events and affect the release of other cytokines.⁴³ Massive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines has been shown to be involved in several neuropathological conditions.⁴⁴ Neuro-inflammation may be another possible mechanism in CDDP-induced toxicity in the brain of rats. This was clearly evidenced in our study by the increase in the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in both the brain and the serum which agrees with earlier report.⁷ Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is an essential factor which induces the transcription of the pro-inflammatory genes and thus plays a key role in the inflammation.⁴⁵ Systemic injection of CDDP has been found to be associated with upregulation of NF-κB which in turn initiates the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines.^33,46 Oxidative stress and inflammation may be interrelated mechanisms in the development of CDDP neurotoxicity. CDDP-induced overproduction of ROS has been found to accelerate the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines.⁴⁷ In our study, high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by CDDP showed a good response to treatment with NAC as evidenced by the decline in the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Similar anti-inflammatory effects of NAC were reported in previous studies.^48,49 NAC has been reported to protect against the proliferation of cytokines, increase neuronal survival, and decrease apoptosis.¹⁴ NAC was also reported to have the ability to downregulate NF-κB.¹³ Therefore, the anti-inflammatory effect of NAC by deactivating NF-κB and its antioxidant activity by enhancing GSH may be important mechanisms behind the reported improvement in the pro-inflammatory cytokines.

A limitation of the present study is the lack of investigation of the gene expression of AchE, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 using PCR and the protein level of the AChE using Western blot. Therefore, future studies are needed to confirm the biochemical results obtained in our study using molecular tools and more immunohistochemical techniques.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CDDP induced neurotoxicity in the brain of rats which was evidenced by oxidative injury and neuro-inflammation. Treatment with NAC at the two selected doses (50 and 100 mg/kg) provided effective protection against the toxicity of CDDP in the brain. It modulated the CDDP-induced oxidative stress, improved the antioxidant defense system, and downregulated the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The mechanisms by which NAC provides protection are largely dependent on the interplay between its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Based on these results, NAC may serve as a complementary therapeutic agent to enhance the outcomes of CDDP chemotherapy. Further preclinical studies are needed to identify the best strategy for its clinical application. It is also important to determine whether NAC compromises the anticancer activity of CDDP or not.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.