Oleuropein protects against 5-fluorouracil-induced nephro-hepatotoxicity in animal model by focusing on preserving anti-oxidant defense, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects

The renal and liver dysfunction is considered to be a life-threatening side effect of chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). This study was designed to assess the impact of oleuropein (OLE) against 5-FU-induced renal and liver toxicity. Twenty-four adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (<i>N</i> = 6) including the control, 5-FU (100 mg/kg), OLE (200 mg/kg), and 5-FU + OLE. After treatment, blood and tissue samples were collected to assess the biochemical, inflammatory, oxidative stress, cell death associated parameters, and histological changes. 5-FU significantly increased biochemical parameters, TNF-α, and IL-6 concentration and were significantly related to histopathological complications. While the administration of oleuropein significantly decreased BUN-Cr, liver enzyme levels and inflammatory responses and improved pathological injuries. In addition, oleuropein ameliorated significantly the kidney and liver stress oxidative and apoptotic parameters. Conclusively, oleuropein exerted hepato-nephroprotective effects against 5-FU toxicity through its anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects.