Prophylactic effect of vitamin C on cyclosporine A-induced liver toxicity

ABSTRACT

Cyclosporine A [CsA] is an important immunosuppressive agent; however, its clinical use is limited by several side effects such as hepatotoxicity. Vitamin C [ascorbic acid] is a very important and powerful antioxidant and protects membranes against oxidation. The aim of this study was to study protective role of vitamin C against CSA-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty male Wister strain rats weighting 230-260g were randomly divided into 3 groups [n = 10] group A was the control group and received placebo [Normal Saline], group B was the CSA-treated group and received 15mg/kg/day CsA for 21 days, group C was the CsA + vitamin C group and was received 200mg/kg/day vitamin C orally 3 hours before receiving 15mg/kg/day CsA. On 22[th] day rats serum obtained for measuring biochemical factors including bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], triglyceride, alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], total protein, and albumin. Bilirubin, ALT, AST, triglyceride, ALP, and LDH levels were lower in CsA + ascorbic acid group than that of CsA group [P < 0.05] while plasma total protein and albumin were significantly higher in CsA + ascorbic acid group than that of CsA group [P < 0.05]. In conclusion, we have shown that vitamin C administration provides protection against CSA-induced injury in rat liver function and may have hepatoprotective role in the patients experiencing CSA treatment