Azilsartan Attenuates Cognitive Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Cisplatin-Induced Neurotoxicity: Effects on Hematological and CBC-Derived Inflammatory Indices

Background: Cisplatin (CIS) is one of the common anticancer agents; nevertheless, its utility is often associated with cognitive dysfunction as well as systemic toxicities. Current therapeutic options remain inadequate in its prevention or management. Objective: To investigate the effect of AZIL to mitigate CIS-induced neurotoxicity and associated systemic alterations in rats. Methods: Thirty-nine female rats were initially enrolled and divided into 4 groups: I: Normal control group (NC), II: Cisplatin group (CIS), III: azilsartan group (AZIL), and IV: CIS and AZIL combination group (CIS+AZIL). Neurotoxicity was induced using 2.5mg/kg CIS twice weekly for 4 weeks. Body weight was measured weekly. Cognitive performance was assessed via the Y-maze test at baseline and the end of the experiment. Blood was collected at the end of the study for hematology and inflammatory index assessments. Results: Azilsartan mitigated CIS-induced neurotoxicity and enhanced cognitive function. By week 4 CIS markedly lowers body weight, which is not prevented by AZIL. In the combination group, AZIL significantly improved learning performance and spatial working memory (p=0.0009) at week 4 compared to the CIS group. Hematological alterations were minimal, while co-administration of AZIL showed non-significant effects in NLR and PNR (p>0.05). Conclusions: Azilsartan mitigated CIS-induced neurotoxicity and improved cognitive performance and several hematological parameters, especially RBC and hemoglobin. Changes in CBC-derived inflammatory indices showed limited alterations.