Emad Khademi - Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Vahid Pirhajati Mahabadi - Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran|Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hassan Ahmadvand - Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran|Razi Herbal Researches Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
Esmaeil Akbari - Immunogenetic Research Center and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

Objective(s): Cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating side effect in patients receiving this drug.  Recent studies suggest hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy as a new treatment approach for models of neural injury. The aim of the current study was to determine the protective effects of HBO preconditioning against peripheral neuropathy induced by Cisplatin (CDDP).Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 4 groups of rats: Sham group; HBO group (60 min/d); Control group (CDDP 2 mg/kg/d); Precondition group (HBO+CDDP). Mechanical threshold testing was weekly carried out using von Frey filament. Sciatic nerve and associated ganglia were removed  five weeks after the first CDDP injection for biochemical evaluation of malondialdehyde (MDA) content and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, immunohistochemistry of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), TNF-α, caspase-3 and  iNOS, and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) assessments.Results: MDA levels and MPO activities were significantly decreased in preconditioned rats. Attenuated TUNEL reaction along with attenuated caspase-3, TNF-α, and iNOS expression could be significantly detected in preconditioned rats. Also, HBO preconditioning improved the nociceptive threshold. Conclusion: The results suggest that HBO preconditioning can attenuate peripheral neuropathy caused by cisplatin in rats.

Apoptosis, Cisplatin, Hyperbaric oxygen, Inflammation, Neuropathy