Protective effects of Crataegus monogyna against cisplatin-induced liver and kidney toxicity in rats.

Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug, but its side effects, especially liver and kidney toxicity, can limit its clinical use, and these adverse effects are mainly associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate whether Crataegus monogyna (CM), a medicinal plant with antioxidant properties, can reduce cisplatin-induced damage in rats. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups: control, cisplatin-only (8 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), cisplatin + CM (200 mg/kg, orally), and CM-only. CM was administered for seven days, starting two days before the single cisplatin injection. Subsequently, blood samples were analyzed for liver enzymes (AST, ALT), kidney function markers (urea, creatinine), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ), and oxidative stress indicators (TAS, TOS). Liver and kidney tissues were also examined histologically and immunohistochemically for caspase-3, NF-κB-p65, TNF-α, and IL-6. As demonstrated by our findings, cisplatin significantly increased AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, TNF-α, IL-6, and TOS levels while reducing TAS. CM treatment alleviated these changes. Furthermore, tissue architecture was better preserved in the CM+CIS group compared to the CIS group, and fewer apoptotic and inflammatory cells were observed. No significant differences in IL-10 and IFN-γ levels were detected among the groups. Collectively, our findings suggest that CM may exert protective effects against cisplatin-induced liver and kidney toxicity, likely through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. CM may thus be considered as a supportive option to mitigate cisplatin-induced side effects.