Effects of antioxidant agents against cyclosporine-induced hepatotoxicity

To investigate the potential protective antioxidant role of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), melatonin, and allopurinol treatment in cyclosporine (CsA)-induced hepatotoxicity.

Hepatotoxicity was established in Sprague-Dawley rats by daily administration of CsA. Treatment groups were additionally administered UDCA, melatonin, or allopurinol treatments. Rats that received no CsA and no treatments served as a control group. Liver samples from each group were examined by histopathologic analysis to determine the effects of CsA treatment on liver morphology. Biochemical assays were also used to determine the effect of CsA treatment on liver function, in the presence or absence of UDCA, melatonin, or allopurinol.

CsA treatment induced hepatotoxicity, resulting in sinusoidal dilatation, congestion, infiltration, hydropic degeneration, and loss of glycogen storage in the liver. From a molecular perspective, the CsA treatment increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, decreased levels of reduced glutathione and xanthine oxidase, and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. The CsA treatment also resulted in decreased serum total antioxidant capacity, whereas alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin levels, and total oxidant status were increased. Treatment with UDCA, melatonin, or allopurinol reduced the CsA-induced histopathologic changes, as compared with CsA-treated samples. In addition, UDCA, melatonin, or allopurinol treatment mitigated the CsA-induced effects on glutathione and MDA levels, and on superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, as well as reduced the CsA-mediated perturbations in serum levels of total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and alkaline phosphatase.

UDCA, allopurinol, and melatonin may each help to protect against CsA-induced damage to liver tissues, possibly through effects on the antioxidant system.