Work

Neuroprotective Potential of Betaine in Cisplatin-Treated Rats: A Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Cisplatin (CS) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, but its side effects, such as neurotoxicity, limit its clinical application.The present study investigated the protective role of betaine, a methyl donor with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, against CS induced neurotoxicity mediated by oxidative stress using immunohistochemical methods.Forty female Wistar albino rats (8-10 weeks old, 200-250g) were randomly divided into four groups: Control, Betaine, CS, and CS+Betaine.Betaine (250mg/kg) was administered orally, while CS (8mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally once a week for four weeks.Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on the cerebral cortex/medulla and hippocampal tissues using HIF-1α, VEGF, EPO, GFAP, and caspase-3 markers.Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 10.Histopathological examination revealed that CS administration caused hypereosinophilic degeneration in pyramidal neurons, which was alleviated in the CS+Betaine group.Immunohistochemical analysis showed that CS significantly increased the expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, EPO, and GFAP compared to the control group, while coadministration with betaine tended to reduce these increases; however, the reductions did not reach statistical significance.Caspase-3 expression was also high in the CS group, indicating increased apoptosis, while betaine attenuated this effect.Betaine may exert neuroprotective effects through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic potential.These findings suggest that betaine may have therapeutic potential in reducing CSassociated neurotoxicity.

Source: Pakistan Veterinary Journal

DOI: 10.29261/pakvetj/2025.202

Authors: Ülger, Menekşe, Bayram, Latife Çakir

Institution: Erciyes University

Language: English

Topic: Chemotherapy-induced organ toxicity mitigation

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $300