Ameliorating Effect of <i>Triticum aestivum</i> (WG) Against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity: Role of Cytokines, Free Radicals and Apoptotic Cascade

Objectives Cisplatin (CP) is a most potent chemotherapeutic agent; however, CP causes nephrotoxicity that limits its therapeutic utility. Triticum aestivum called wheatgrass (WG) is a strong antioxidant and potent detoxifying herb that has not only been studied for anticancer activity but also for efficacy and safety when combined with anticancer drugs. This study investigated the efficacy of WG against CP-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods Male rats were allocated into five sets of six rats in each: (1) normal control (NC), (2) CP-treated (7.5 mg/kg) as positive control (PC), (3) WG-200 mg/kg alone, and (4) CP with WG-100, and (5) CP with WG-200 mg/kg groups. Hydro-alcoholic extract of WG was administered orally to the animals for two weeks, and CP was administered intraperitoneally to the respective groups on the 10th day to induce nephrotoxicity. Serum was used for kidney function and kidneys for histological examination and quantification of apoptosis markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Results CP-induced nephrotoxicity was apparent from histological damage and increased levels of BUN, Cr and UA. CP also caused an increase in malondialdehyde and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) activities and led to up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis markers. WG caused a significant decrease in Cr, BUN, UA, MDA and increase in GSH, SOD and CAT activities. Conclusion WG ameliorated histological damage and led to a reversal of cytokines and apoptosis markers. Both doses of WG effectively ameliorated CP-induced nephrotoxicity; thus, during chemotherapy, WG could be a promising adjunct to CP.