Influence of Silymarin on Valproic Acid Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology,Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.

2 Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.

Abstract

Introduction: Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely prescribed antiepileptic drug,  which might induce serious  hepatic disorders . Silymarin is currently used as a supportive therapy of liver disorders. Aim of the study: In this study we evaluated the protective effects of silymarin on valproic acid induced hepatotoxicity . Material and Methods: seventy adult male albino rats were divided into 7 groups (10 each), (Ia) negative control, (Ib) positive control, (II) silymarin group, received17.5 mg/kg. (IIIa) low dose VAP group, received 200mg/kg , (IIIb) high dose VAP group received 400 mg/kg (IVa) low dose VPA + silymarin group and (IVb) high dose VPA + silymarin group received doses as previously mentioned. The drugs were gavaged once daily, 6 days/week for 8 weeks, at the end of the experiment rats were sacrificed and estimation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the blood, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in liver tissues and histopathological and immunnohistochemical examination of liver tissues were carried out. Results: this study showed significant increase in serum ALT, ALP and hepatic MDA contents while GSH-Px activity significantly reduced (especially in high dose VPA group) when compared with the control. Histopathological changes showed patchy microvesicular steatosis, focal necrosis of hepatocytes, dilated congested central vein and sinusoids. Immunolocalization of Bcl-2 revealed dose dependent weak cytoplasmic staining in the hepatocytes surrounding the central vein. VPA+ Silymarin groups showed partial improvement. Conclusion: It concluded that VPA has dose dependent toxic effects on liver that might be ameliorated by concomitant use of silymarin.

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