Evaluation of the effect of Dexamethasone and Citicoline on Cisplatin- induced pain (neuropathy) in Mice

Abstract

Introduction: Some of the important mechanisms in neuropathy induced by the anti-cancer drugs are oxidative stress and production of free radicals. Dexamethasone and citicoline stabilize the membrane with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity by induction of phospholipid synthesis that prevents aggravation of oxidative stress. Aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the preventive effects of dexamethasone and citicoline on hypersensitivity to pain (neuropathy) induced by Cisplatin. Methods and materials: 72 male mice weighing in the 25-35gr ranges were randomly divided into 9 groups with 8 animals in each group. Different doses of dexamethasone (7.5, 15, 30mg/kg, i.p) and citicoline (10, 20, 40mg/kg, i.p.) and the combined doses (Dexamethasone 7.5mg/kg + citicoline 10mg/kg) were injected in the first three days and one day before receiving Cisplatin (2mg/kg). In evaluating the effect of different regimens on hypersensitivity to pain, the Tail flick method was used. In the end, MDA and TAC serum levels were evaluated. Results: Different doses of dexamethasone and citicoline had meaningful and significant effects on reducing neuropathy induced by cisplatin but the combined implication of dexamethasone with citicoline had no significant effects compared to single doses. Cisplatin remarkably increased the level of MDA. Dexamethasone only in the two doses (15, 30mg/kg, i.p.) could meaningfully reduce the level of MDA and TAC, in contrast, to control group whereas all the three doses of citicoline significantly reduced MDA and TAC levels. Conclusion: Citicoline may be effective in preventing cisplatin-induced neuropathy by stabilizing the membrane and by inhibiting oxidative stress and dexamethasone by inhibiting oxidative stress too and anti-inflammatory effects.