Diclofenac Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity on Albino Rats: The Assessment of Mitigative Potential of Fermented Carica Papaya Juice

Abstract

In a study investigating the protective effects of an extract on diclofenac-induced liver and kidney injuries in Wistar rats, twenty healthy adult Wistar rats weighing between 110g to 200g were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. Group 1 Control group: received distilled water and standard feed, Group 2 Diclofenac group: administered 10mg/kg body weight of diclofenac., Group 3 Diclofenac + Pawpaw extract group: received diclofenac and post-treated with 200mg/kg body weight of fermented unripe Carica papaya juice, and Group 4 Pawpaw extract group: administered 200mg/kg body weight of fermented unripe Carica papaya juice. The plant extract and diclofenac were orally given over a duration of fourteen (14) days. After the treatment was finished, samples of blood and tissue were collected to analyze the liver function parameters (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase) (Alanine aminotransferase - ALT, and alkaline phosphatase - ALP), renal function parameters (creatinine), oxidative stress markers, and for histological evaluation. The results showed that diclofenac administration caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum levels of ALT and ALP, creatinine and a significant decrease (p<0.05) in antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase) compared to the control group. However, treatment with FUPJ significantly reduced (p<0.05) the levels of ALT and ALP, creatinine, and MDA and increased (p<0.05) the levels of antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, FUPJ has the potential to ameliorate diclofenac-induced hepatic and renal dysfunction through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.