Role of food-derived antioxidants against cisplatin induced-nephrotoxicity

Cancer is a relevant public health problem that represents the second leading cause of global death. In this regard, cisplatin is a highly effective antineoplastic drug used in treatment of several types of cancer, such as head and neck, testicular, ovarian, gastric, lung and breast cancer. Nevertheless, treatment with this compound leads to nephrotoxicity, which limits its use. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in cisplatin-induced renal damage and several dietary antioxidants have been reported to ameliorate this secondary effect. Relevant findings on the protective effects of these antioxidant agents in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity are summarized in this paper. Further, limitations of animal models used in these studies are discussed. Additionally, clinical studies on the protective effect of these antioxidants, as well as future directions for these kind of trials are also considered.