Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects against cisplatin nephrotoxicity by inhibiting the apoptosis in mouse.

Cisplatin (CP) is a commonly used anticancer drug, but its notable side effect of nephrotoxicity limits its use in clinic. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumorigenic green tea polyphenol, has been available on the market for its beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether EGCG can prevent the nephrotoxic effect of CP and the involved mechanisms. Male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, EGCG group, CP group, and CP+EGCG group. On day 5, mice were sacrificed. Our results showed that EGCG treatment significantly ameliorated the histopathological changes and the increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) induced by CP. TUNEL-positive cells significantly reduced in the CP+EGCG group compared with CP group. EGCG also inhibited the expression of the ligand of death receptor Fas (Fas-L), apoptosis regulator BAX (Bax) and tumor-suppressor protein p53, and increased the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). These findings suggest that EGCG can ameliorate CP-induced apoptosis in the kidney by regulating death receptor Fas conducted extrinsic pathway, and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2.