Protective Effect of P-Coumaric Acid against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Cisplatin is used in chemotherapy for cancer patients. But, it has adverse effects on some organs, including the kidney and liver. P-coumaric acid is a polyphenolic substance with multiple biological properties. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of p-coumaric acid on renal and hepatic side effects of cisplatin.

This experimental study was performed in 21 male rats that were randomly divided into three groups. In the sham group, 20% ethanol was gavaged for 7 days. The experimental group I received 20% ethanol for 7 days + a single dose of cisplatin )8 mg/kg( at day 5. The experimental group II received cisplatin (8 mg/kg at day 5) + p-coumaric acid (100 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. The functional disturbances of kidney and liver were assessed by measuring the blood levels of creatinine, urea-nitrogen, AST, ALT, and ALP. Also, measuring MDA and FRAP levels in kidney and liver tissues were used to assess oxidative stress. The tissue damages were also assessed by studying H&E stained slides.

Cisplatin administration increased the concentrations of creatinine, urea-nitrogen, AST, ALT, ALP, MDA, tissue damages, and decreased FRAP. Application of p-coumaric acid led to complete or relative improvements in functional parameters of kidney and liver, and reduced tissue damages and MDA level. The FRAP level was found to increase by the p-coumaric acid.

P-coumaric acid demonstrated a protective effect against the side effects of cisplatin in the kidneys and liver.