Evaluation of the effect of bee pollen extract on cisplatin-induced neuropathy in mice

Abstract

Introduction: Several mechanisms have been proposed in neuropathy caused by the use of anticancer drugs, including oxidative stress, increased activity of NMDA receptors and serotonin receptors. Bee pollen has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.Objective: According to the available evidence regarding the antioxidant effects of bee pollen, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the total extract of pollen on cisplatin-induced neuropathy in mice.Materials and methods: Ninety male mice in ten groups of nine in the weight range of 25-35 grams were divided in two groups A and B. In group A:[ one week before receiving cisplatin(2.3 mg/kg/day, IP)], different doses of total bee pollen extract (50-100-200 mg/kg, IP) were injected for 42 days. In group B: [at the same time as cisplatin injection] until the 35th day. The hot plate test was used to perform the pain test. Finally, blood was taken from the heart of the animals to perform MDA and TAC tests. Results: The results indicated that all three doses of total flower pollen extract in group A had significant effects in preventing neuropathy, while in group B, only a dose of 50 mg/kg of total flower pollen extract had significant effects in preventing neuropathy. No significant changes in MDA and TAC levels were observed in any of the groups. Significant weight loss occurred in groups A and B.Conclusion: Injection of bee pollen extract one week before has better effects compared to simultaneous injection of honey bee pollen extract. Additional human studies are suggested to evaluate the effect of the honey bee pollen extract in preventing neuropathy caused by cisplatin.