Cancer remains a significant health challenge globally, ranking as the second leading cause of mortality in many countries. Cisplatin (CP) is a widely used chemotherapy drug in cancer treatment, known for its toxic side effects such as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. To mitigate these adverse effects, researchers investigated the effects of chitosan-coated nano-propolis (NP) alongside propolis on CP-induced toxicity in a rat model. The study demonstrated that NP, especially at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight, showed potential in ameliorating CP’s negative effects, particularly in preventing liver and kidney damage.
Chemotherapy, a cornerstone in cancer treatment, aims to prolong life expectancy and improve the quality of life. However, the effectiveness of CP is often hindered by its cytotoxic side effects. Recent studies have explored the use of antioxidant substances to enhance the immune system and reduce the toxic effects of chemotherapy. In this context, the study focused on utilizing propolis, a natural resinous substance collected by honeybees, and its nano-formulation to combat CP-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in liver and kidney tissues.
Nano-formulations, such as chitosan-coated NP, offer a promising avenue to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic agents and reduce environmental impact. The study highlighted the use of biodegradable polymer matrix-based nanoparticles to mitigate the environmental burden of conventional plastic waste. By encapsulating propolis in nanostructures, researchers aimed to enhance its solubility and bioavailability, potentially increasing its therapeutic effects. The green sonochemical method employed in synthesizing propolis-based nanoparticles demonstrated improved efficacy compared to free propolis, particularly at a lower dose.
The investigation into the biochemical parameters of the study groups revealed significant effects of CP on glucose, liver enzymes, and renal function markers. CP administration led to elevated levels of markers associated with liver and kidney damage, underscoring the need for interventions to mitigate these effects. The co-administration of propolis and NP with CP showed promising results in restoring these biochemical parameters to near-normal levels, indicating the potential of these formulations in reducing CP-induced toxicity.
Antioxidant status assessment in liver and kidney tissues further elucidated the protective effects of propolis and NP against CP-induced oxidative stress. The nano-formulations significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and increased glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activities, highlighting their role in combating oxidative damage. Moreover, the modulation of apoptotic pathways through the regulation of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins demonstrated the anti-apoptotic potential of propolis and NP formulations, thereby protecting liver and kidney tissues from CP-induced apoptosis.
The findings of this study underscore the potential of Turkish propolis nano-formulation in ameliorating the side effects of cisplatin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug. By harnessing the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties of propolis in a nano-delivery system, researchers have shown promising results in mitigating CP-induced liver and kidney damage in a rat model. Further studies are warranted to explore the efficacy of different doses and formulations of propolis-based nanoparticles in diverse cancer types, with the aim of reducing the detrimental effects of chemotherapy on human health.
Tags: immunotherapy
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