Sinapic acid attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced liver toxicity in mice by modulating oxidative stress, NF-κB, and caspase-3

OBJECTIVE(S): Cyclophosphamide (CP) as an antineoplastic drug is widely used in cancer patients, and liver toxicity is one of its complications. Sinapic acid (SA) as a natural phenylpropanoid has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The purpose of the current study was to determine the protective effect of SA versus CP-induced liver toxicity. In this research, BALB/c mice were treated with SA (5 and 10 mg/kg) orally for one week, and CP (200 mg/kg) was injected on day 3 of the study. Oxidative stress markers, serum liver-specific enzymes, histopathological features, caspase-3, and nuclear factor kappa-B cells were then checked. RESULTS: CP induced hepatotoxicity in mice and showed structural changes in liver tissue. CP significantly increased liver enzymes and lipid peroxidation, and decreased glutathione. The immunoreactivity of caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa-B cells was significantly increased. Administration of SA significantly maintained histochemical parameters and liver function enzymes in mice treated with CP. Immunohistochemical examination showed SA reduced apoptosis and inflammation. CONCLUSION: The data confirmed that SA with anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities was able to preserve CP-induced liver injury in mice.