Effects of Protocatechuic Acid on Some Hematological Parameters, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Brain Immunohistochemistry in Cisplatin-Administered Rats

Background: Cisplatin (CIS), a platinum-containing cytostatic agent, has been recognized for its cytotoxic and anti-neoplastic effects on cancer cells. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) has a strong antioxidant activity and the chemoprotective properties of plants containing PCA have also been extensively investigated. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CIS application on hematological parameters, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels in rats and to examine the changes in BDNF levels with PCA application as well as immunohistochemical changes in the brains of all rats. Methods: Forty female rats weighing between 250 and 300 g were used in the study. Rats were divided into 4 groups and each group contained 10 animals as Control, PCA, CIS and PCA + CIS groups. Blood was collected. Serum BDNF levels and some hematological parameters such as neutrophil (NEU), lymphocyte (LYM) values and neutrofil lymphocyte ratios (NLR) were determined. The brain tissues were used for immunohistochemical examinations. Results: PCA + CIS group compared to CIS group BDNF level and LYM amount increased while NRL decreased statistically important. When brain tissues were examined immunohistochemically, negative 8-OHdG expression and negative Bax expression were observed in the control and PCA groups. In the CIS group, severe cytoplasmic 8-OHdG expression and severe cytoplasmic bax expression were detected in neurons. In the PCA + CIS group, moderate cytoplasmic 8-OHdG expression and mild cytoplasmic bax expression were detected. Conclusion: It has been shown that PCA reduces immunohistochemical changes in the brain caused by CIS due to chemoprotective properties, that it can prevent neurogenerative events in the brain by increasing the decreased BDNF level, and that it has a positive effect on some hematological parameters. NLR was found to be higher than the control group in the application of CIS, a chemotherapeutic agent, due to lymphocytopenia, while NLR began to decrease when PCA was administered. According to the findings obtained in this presented study, it has been shown that PCA reduces the neurotoxic effect formed by affecting NLR and BDNF levels during chemotherapy application and helps to follow the prognosis.