Introduction: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and debilitating side effect of chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of cancer patients. Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) may arise due to the disease itself or as a consequence of treatment with chemotherapeutic agents, such as proteasome inhibitors, platinum-based compounds, and vinca alkaloids, which are widely known as CIPN. However, the underlying mechanisms of CIPN remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of CIPN in a rat model and identify potential biomarkers associated with the induction of neuronal damage and consequent neuropathy.

Materials and Methods: CIPN was induced in experimental rats by administering Bortezomib (BTZ), Cisplatin (CIS), and Vincristine (VIN). The onset and progression of CIPN in these rats were assessed by the Hot and Cold plate experiments. The ELISA method was used to measure the levels of neuronal damage-related biomarkers NSE, S100β, and inflammatory biomarkers IL-6, TNFα, and IL-10 using plasma and sciatic nerve, collected from the experimental rats.

Results: Our findings revealed significant alterations in body weight, as well as abnormal responses in the Hot Plate and Cold Plate tests, which are indicative of CIPN. Our results showed a significant increase in NSE, S100B, IL-6, and TNFα levels in the plasma of rats that showed symptoms of CIPN. However, the IL-10 levels were elevated in the sciatic nerve and plasma of the CIPN rats.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that NSE, S100B, IL-6, TNFα, and IL-10 could serve as biomarkers for detecting CIPN induced by chemotherapeutic agents. Further research is necessary to fully understand the roles of these biomarkers in the development and progression of CIPN.