The protective effects of astaxanthin against cisplatin-induced retinal toxicity.

This study investigated the toxic effects of an antineoplastic agent, Cisplatin (CIS), on retinal cells and the potential capacity of Astaxanthin (ASTA) to elicit a future therapeutic protocol in CIS-induced retinal toxicity. Six groups were formed for the assessment; control (healthy; Group 1), olive oil (olive oil only; Group 2), ASTA control group (ASTA only, Group 3), the single intraperitoneal (IP) dose of 16 mg/kg CIS (CIS only group; Group 4), 16 mg/kg CIS + 25 mg/kg (IP) ASTA (Group 5) and 16 mg/kg CIS + 75 mg/kg (IP) ASTA (Group 6). On the third day after cisplatin administration, rats in all groups were sacrificed under anesthesia and the analysis of the biochemical parameters and histopathological levels were performed. A significant decrease in GSH levels and increases in MDA, eNOS, 8-OHdG expressions were recorded. Additionally, CIS treatment had caused acidophilic staining in retinal histological appearance. ASTA treatment reduced the increases in MDA, eNOS, and 8-OHdG levels following CIS administration and increased the levels of GSH expressions, as well. These results may suggest the ASTA molecule as a promising option to prevent retinal toxicity in patients receiving CIS treatment for malignant tumors.