The effect of cerebrolysin on cisplatin-induced oxidative acoustic nerve injury in rats

One of the major side effects of dose-limiting cisplatin is ototoxicity, resulting in restricted clinical use. Cerebrolysin is a neuroprotective, neurotrophic and antioxidant drug derived from the brains of pigs. No studies have investigated the positive effects of Cerebrolysin on the damage to auditory nerves caused by cisplatin- induced oxidative stress. Eighteen rats were randomly divided into three groups of six: the Cerebrolysin and cisplatin group (CCG), the cisplatin group (CG) and the healthy group (HG). The CCG was administered 2.5 mL/kg of Cerebrolysin via subcutaneous injection daily, while the CG and HG were administered physiological saline solutions daily. Every other day, after receiving their dose of Cerebrolysin or physiological saline solution, the CCG and CG groups were administered 5 mg/kg of cisplatin via intraperitoneal injection (IP) every other day. The substances were administered for eight days. In acoustic nerve tissue, while the CCís oxidant parameters were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than those of the CCG and HG groups, its antioxidant parameters were also significantly lower (p < 0.0001). Cerebrolysin antagonized the balance of oxidants and antioxidants in acoustic nerve tissue, resulting in higher concentrations of oxidants. The results suggested that Cerebrolysin may be useful in the treatment of cisplatin-induced oxidative acoustic nerve injury. © 2020 by Polish Pharmaceutical Society.