Effect of Diclofenac on Hematological Parameters and Inflammatory Markers in Rat after Injection of Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide

Abstract

Background: FBacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a large pathogen-associated molecule that affects both animals and humans. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of diclofenac sodium on hematological parameters and inflammatory markers after intraperitoneal injection of LPS in rats. Materials and Methods: Ninety-six male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 8 equal groups. Groups I, II, and III were only injected intraperitoneally (IP) with 100, 200, and 300 μg/kg LPS, respectively. Groups IV, V, and VI were injected with LPS at doses similar to the above groups plus diclofenac 2.5 mg/kg (IM). Group VII was injected only with diclofenac at the same dose and group VIII (control group) was injected with normal saline. Blood samples were collected from the rats in different times (0, 1, 6, and 24 hours) after injection. Results: The results showed that white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts significantly decreased in all groups at 1 and 6 hours after injection of LPS (P<0.05). The total leukocyte count, neutrophils, and lymphocytes increased at 24 hours after injection of LPS, in groups I, II, III, and VI (P<0.05). The C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at 6 and 24 hours after injection of LPS, in groups I, II, III, and VI, showed significant changes (P<0.05). The CRP level decreased in groups IV, V and VI (LPS + diclofenac) compared with the groups that were not injected with diclofenac (P<0.05). A significant increase was seen in fibrinogen level in all challenged groups (with or without diclofenac) at 24 hours after injection of LPS (P<0.05). Conclusion: Injection of diclofenac together with LPS did not affect the leukocyte changes (total and different count) and plasma fibrinogen level in rats. Diclofenac was effective in preventing high CRP changes induced by injection of LPS.