Effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate against pancreatic damage induced by cisplatin on some gene expressions

Cisplatin, which is used as a chemotherapy drug in some types of cancer, can cause DNA damage in cells and some organ damage after certain limits. Damage studies with cisplatin are mostly on organs such as liver and lung and some types of cancer. Damage studies on pancreatic tissue are relatively few, and they are especially related to insulin. In this study, the protective effects of EGCG, which has antioxidant and antitumor properties, were investigated against the general damage caused by cisplatin on the pancreatic tissue. In the study, 28 male rats were used, divided into 4 groups and continued for 4 weeks. Cisplatin and EGCG were given intraperitoneally. Malondialdehyde, catalase and glutathione levels were measured spectrophotometrically. Caspase-3, IL-1α, IL-6, p53, HO-1 protein expressions were determined by Western Blotting method. In addition, histopathological examination of the pancreatic tissue was performed and the findings were evaluated statistically. In our findings, a decrease in malondialdehyde level and an increase in catalase activity and glutathione level were observed in pancreatic tissue in rat groups to which EGCG was administered. It was observed that the expression levels of IL-1α, IL-6 proteins, which are markers of inflammation, were significantly decreased in the EGCG-treated group (EGCG+Cis) compared to the cisplatin group. In the histopathological examination, it was observed that pancreatic damage occurred significantly in the cisplatin-administered group and decreased in the treatment group. According to these data, it has been shown that treatment with EGCG can prevent toxicity in cisplatin-induced pancreotoxicity by showing an anti-inflammatory effect.