Search

The liver plays a role in many body functions such as immune defense and the metabolism of sugar and fat. Rifampin (RIF) is an antibacterial drug prescribed to treat tuberculosis (TB) along with multiple drugs. Other types of infections may also be treated with rifampin. Although the therapeutic effect of RIF has many adverse effects such as hepatoyoxicity. Neem (NM) has more than 140 compounds from various parts that have been isolated and can thus play a role in preventing hepatotoxicity. The research was carried out to examine the protective effect of neem leaves extract (NMLE) on RIF-induced liver damage. Forty male rats had been divided into four groups; Group I) non-treated negative control group, (Group II), which was given RIF (54 mg/kg/day) for thirty days, (groups III and IV intoxicated rats received orally the NMLE in doses of two hundred and fifty and five hundred mg/kg/day respectively, for 30 days. At day 30, blood was collected for biochemical analysis, as well as the liver was also examined histopathologically. The results revealed that the NMLE at the two dosage levels significantly decreased serum levels of liver enzymes and MDA accompanied by significantly increased in activities of GSH, SOD, and showed ant-inflammatory effects as evidence by significantly decreased in TNF-a and IL-1a levels compared to RIF group II. There was also an improvement in histopathological alterations observed in liver tissues of hepatotoxic rats. Therefore, the administrations of NMLE has hepatoprotective effects in hepatotoxic rats via antioxidant and ant-inflammatory pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Costus afer leaf (Cost) extract used as traditional herbal therapy for various diseases. Long term treated with cyclosporine (CsA) concomitant with development of renaltoxicity. The current study aims to assess the nephroprotective mechaism effect of Cost in CsA nephrotoxic rats. Forty male rats were distributed into 4 groups; control (Cont), CsA; rats intraperitoneal (i.p) injected with CsA (twenty five mg/kg b.wt) for twenty one days, Cost 750 mg/ kg b.wt +CsA, Cost 1500 mg/ kg b.wt +CsA; rats received Cost orally for twenty one days, followed by i.p. injection with CsA. Biochemical samples were collected after 24 h from the last dose of CsA as well as renal tissue samples were collected for histopathogical examination. Renal oxidative stress biomarkers (lipid peroxides (MDA) and catalase (CAT)) and the serum anti-inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and -alpha (TNF-α)) were derermined. Kindeny functions; serum levels of creatinine, uric acid and urea as well as serum ionic levels of sodium Na+ and potassim K+ were measured. The results of this study revealed that injection of CsA induced significant increased in renal MDA, serum anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β), serum kidney function paramters and the serum ionic K+ levels, with significant decrease in the renal CAT and serum ionic Na+ compared with cont group. Renal tisuues showing congestion, focal hemorrhage and intesritial nephritis, with coagulating necrosis of the renal tubules in the CsA group. Oral adminstration of Cost extract significantly ameliorated CsA- induced renal oxidative stress. It reduced CsA-induced elevation in serum anti-inflammatory cytokines and kidney function parameters. as well as the changes in ionic Na+ and K+ levels compared with CsA group. It also protected against CsA- induced histopathological changes. Therefore, Cost extract ameliorates nephrotoxicity caused by CsA through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]