Melatonin Ameliorates Hepatic Damage Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Rats

Abstract

The present study investigated the protective effect of melatonin on the tissue peroxidative damage in cyclophosphamide (CP) induced hepatotoxicity. Male albino rats of 250±20 gm were categorized into three groups. Two groups were administered CP (150 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 2 days) to induce hepatotoxicity; one of these groups received melatonin treatment (5 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 2 days 30 minutes prior CP administration). Group one served as the control. The extent of liver damage in CP-induced rats was evident from the increased activities of serum aminotransferases (ALT), alkaline phosphatase(ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase(LD); whereas melatonin pretreatment prevented the rise in these marker enzymes. Evaluation the changes of non enzymatic antioxidants glutathione along with malondialdehyde levels in the experimental groups. In CP-administered rats the antioxidant molecules showed depleted levels (p<0.05), in comparison with the control group. However the extent of lipid peroxidation and the abnormal antioxidant status were normalized in melatonin pretreated rats. Melatonin exerted cytoprotection towards liver organ at a dose of 5mg/kg/day. Histopathological examination also confirmed the protective efficacy of melatonin which may be efficacious as a hepatoprotectant in cyclophosphamide-induced liver toxicities.