Cisplatin, a common chemotherapeutic agent, has proven efficacy in cancer treatment but often induces neurogenic and oxidative stress-related cognitive impairments. This study explores the potential of concurrent physical activity to counteract these adverse effects. Forty-five adult male mice were divided into control, cisplatin-treated (2.3 mg/kg), and exercise/cisplatin groups. Cisplatin was administered over one month, with the exercise/cisplatin group undergoing moderate-intensity exercise. Spatial memory was assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) task, and hippocampal proliferation and oxidative stress were evaluated using Ki-67 and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, respectively. Statistical analyses employed GraphPad Prism 4.0 software.

Cisplatin-treated mice showed significantly lower preference index (PI) scores in the NOR task compared to control (p<0.001) and exercise/cisplatin (p<0.001) groups. IHC staining indicated compromised hippocampal proliferation and heightened oxidative stress in the cisplatin-treated group, mitigated by the introduction of moderate-intensity exercise. Cisplatin-induced weight loss was attenuated by exercise. Cisplatin treatment led to memory decline, reduced hippocampal proliferation, and weight loss in mice. Concurrent moderate-intensity exercise appeared to mitigate these effects, suggesting its potential in alleviating cisplatin-induced cognitive decline. This study highlights the importance of incorporating exercise as a complementary strategy to enhance cognitive outcomes in cisplatin-treated cancer patients.

Tala Alsharaeh, an M.D. graduate of 2023, currently serves as an intern at Jordan University Hospital. Fueled by a passion for neurology and psychiatry, she actively engages in inspiring research pursuits, contributing to multiple forthcoming publications. Tala's commitment to advancing medical knowledge underscores her dedication and promising trajectory in the early stages of her career.