Silymarin protects liver against toxic effects of anti-tuberculosis drugs in experimental animals

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The first line anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RIF) and pyrazinamide (PZA) continues to be the effective drugs in the treatment of tuberculosis, however, the use of these drugs is associated with toxic reactions in tissues, particularly in the liver, leading to hepatitis. Silymarin, a standard plant extract with strong antioxidant activity obtained from <it>S. marianum</it>, is known to be an effective agent for liver protection and liver regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective actions of silymarin against hepatotoxicity caused by different combinations of anti-tuberculosis drugs.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Male Wistar albino rats weighing 250–300 g were used to form 6 study groups, each group consisting of 10 rats. Animals were treated with intra-peritoneal injection of isoniazid (50 mg/kg) and rifampicin (100 mg/kg); and intra-gastric administration of pyrazinamid (350 mg/kg) and silymarin (200 mg/kg). Hepatotoxicity was induced by a combination of drugs with INH+RIF and INH+RIF+PZA. Hepatoprotective effect of silymarin was investigated by co-administration of silymarin together with the drugs. Serum biochemical tests for liver functions and histopathological examination of livers were carried out to demonstrate the protection of liver against anti-tuberculosis drugs by silymarin.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Treatment of rats with INH+RIF or INH+RIF+PZA induced hepatotoxicity as evidenced by biochemical measurements: serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and the levels of total bilirubin were elevated, and the levels of albumin and total protein were decreased in drugs-treated animals. Histopathological changes were also observed in livers of animals that received drugs. Simultaneous administration of silymarin significantly decreased the biochemical and histological changes induced by the drugs.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The active components of silymarin had protective effects against hepatotoxic actions of drugs used in the chemotherapy of tuberculosis in animal models. Since no significant toxicity of silymarin is reported in human studies, this plant extract can be used as a dietary supplement by patients taking anti-tuberculosis medications.</p

Assessment of Urınary 8- Hydroxydeoxyguanosıne Level in Dıabetıc Cancer Patıents

ASSESSMENT OF URINARY 8-HYDROXYDEOXYGUANOSINE LEVEL IN DIABETIC CANCER PATIENTSAnmar Al-Taie *1, Fikret V. Izzettin 1, Mesut Sancar 1, Aygül Köseoğlu 2, Mehmet Aliustaoğlu 2 and Asuman Kaptanağasi 3Clinical Pharmacy Department 1, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.Oncology Center 2, Biochemistry Department 3, Dr. Lüt Kırdar Kartal Teaching and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.ABSTRACT: Both diabetes mellitus and cancer are characterised by higher levels of oxidative stress and production of free radicals, which furthercomplicate the control and outcomes of these diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the level of urinary 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine in diabeticcancer patients as a biomarker of cellular oxidative stress for both disease progression and chemotherapy administration. A controlled prospectiveobservational study carried out on 100 diabetic patients newly diagnosed with diverse cancer types eligible for dierent chemotherapeutic protocols at theoncology unit. Urinary 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine level assessed at the baseline (before the required chemotherapy protocol schedule), and the 2ndreading (at the end of the required chemotherapy protocol schedule). Results showed that there was a signicant (p&lt;0.05) increase the urinary 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine level between the baseline and 2nd readings (27.04±4.33 ng/dl) vs (30.77±4.63ng/dl), and between the baseline and 2nd readingsat 7-day course (25.96±4.21ng/dl) vs (28.16±5.27ng/dl), at 14-day course (27.76±5.33 ng/dl) vs (31.56±4.47ng/dl), and at 21-day course (27.22±4.16 ng/dl) vs(31.40±4.24ng/dl). In conclusion, this study presented that oxidative stress based on elevation of the urinary 8-OHdG level is related to diabetes mellitusand cancer which is further boosted during chemotherapy administration.&nbsp;</div