Protective effect of aged garlic extract against the oxidative stress induced by cisplatin on blood cells parameters and hepatic antioxidant enzymes in rats

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most active cytotoxic drugs. However, it has several side effects that are associated with increased oxidative stress. Aged garlic extract (AGE) is a natural product containing different compounds with antioxidant activity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of AGE on CP-induced hepatotoxicity. Four equally male rat groups: control, AGE-treated (250 mg/kg once for 21 days), CP-treated (7.5 mg/kg, once intraperitoneal), combined AGE and CP-treated were used. Blood samples were collected to investigate blood picture and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), bilirubin (TSB) and albumin. The liver of each rat was excised, cleaned, weighed, rinsed in ice-cold saline and homogenized for assessment malondialdehyde (MDA) level, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and level of reduced glutathione (GSH). Histological examination was also carried out. AGE-pretreated rats revealed significant reduction in serum levels of AST, ALT & TSB and increase serum albumin level induced by CP administration. Furthermore, AGE significantly ameliorated CP-induced increase in MDA level and decrease in GSH level, CAT and SOD activities in liver tissue homogenates. Additionally, histopathological and blood picture examinations revealed markedly ameliorated CP-induced toxicity on blood cells parameters and liver structure. Our results prove that AGE has antioxidant and protective effects against CP-induced oxidative stress and changes in parameters of blood cells and liver structure in rats. Thus, it could be used as a dietary supplementation to reduce toxic side effects of anticancer drugs. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.