Protective Effects of Pentoxifylline Against Oxaliplatin Induced Neuropathy

Development of peripheral neuropathy is a major limitation of oxaliplatin (OXA) chemotherapy. To date, there are no approved medications for prevention and/or treatment of OXA induced neuropathy (OIN). The objective of the present study is to investigate the beneficial effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) against OIN in Swiss albino mice. The neuroprotection was assessed by simultaneous administration of OXA (1mg/kg, i.p. twice weekly) with PTX (15 and 30 mg/kg, i.p., daily) for 28 days. The nerve conduction velocity (NCV), pain threshold, oxidative and inflammatory markers were analyzed to assess the OIN. PTX administration showed a significant dose dependent protection against OXA induced changes in pain sensitivity and the levels of oxidative stress markers and pathological changes in sciatic nerve. In the case of NCV and mechanical hyperalgesia we also observe a significant protection. The results of this study, therefore, demonstrate the neuroprotective benefits of PTX against OIN.