Poster Presenter

Protective Role of Grape Seed Extract and Folic Acid Against Azathioprine-Induced Anemia and Hepatic Toxicity in Rats
Ibrahim M. El-Ashmawy , Shereen B.Gad and Osama M. Salama
Egypt

Azathioprine (Aza) is an important drug commonly used in the therapy of autoimmune system disorders. It induces hepatotoxicity and hazard effects that restrict its use. Effects of administration of grape seed extract and folic acid on Aza toxicity by gavage (simultaneously) daily for 4 weeks were studied through determining the changes in some hematological parameters and liver histology. Glutathione level (GSH) and lipid peroxidation content as malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver tissue were measured. The repeated intake of Aza (25 mg/kg body weight) induced anemia characterized by decreased erythrocyte and leukocyte counts and reticulocyte, and hematocrit percentages. While, the prothrombin time was significantly increased. Moreover, Aza caused a significant decrease in phagocytic activity and lymphocyte percentage. Aza induced a hepatic damage as indicated from pronounced changes in its histological structure, a significant increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and MDA content in the liver tissue. Meanwhile, the GSH activity was significantly decreased. Cotreatment of grape seed extract with Aza, minimizing the previously mentioned hazard effects of Aza and significantly protected the hepatic tissue by ameliorating its antioxidant activity. Folic acid administration, simultaneously, with Aza only improved the anemia. It may be concluded that grape seed extract is a useful herbal remedy, especially for controlling oxidative damages, and considered as potent protective agent against Aza hepatotoxicity.