Effect of green tea on amiodarone-induced lung injury in albino rats

Abstract

Introduction Amiodarone (AM) is an antiarrhythmic agent used in the treatment and prophylaxis of postoperative atrial fibrillation. It has some serious side effects, including pulmonary toxicity. Green tea is among the most popular beverages. It is characterized by the presence of catechins, a subgroup of polyphenols, known as a powerful antioxidant. Aim The aim of the study was to determine the toxic effects of AM as an animal model on lung injury and evaluate the possible role of green tea extract against these effects in albino rats. Materials and methods The study included 21 adult male albino rats weighing 180–200 g. They were divided into three equal groups, comprising seven rats each. Group I was considered the control group. Group II rats were given AM orally at 30 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks. Group III rats were given green tea extract orally at 150 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks concomitantly with AM as in group II. The lungs were dissected out and processed for histological and immunohistochemical study. Morphometric and statistical studies were also carried out. Results Administration of AM in group II resulted in obvious distortion to the lung architecture. Collapsed alveoli, vacuolar degeneration of pneumocytes type II, thickening of interalveolar septa, and significant increase in collagen deposition were observed. Significantly increased number of macrophages was observed in group II. However coadministration of green tea extract with AM in group III showed obvious preservation of the lung architecture. Conclusion Administration of AM in rats induced severe lung damage, whereas concomitant administration of green tea extract effectively ameliorated lung tissue damage.