Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaves on Diclofenac Sodium Induced Hepatic Injury in Albino Rats: Ultrastructural and Immunohistochemical Studies

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the possible hepatoprotective role of Moringa oleifera leaves extract known by its phenolic antioxidant components against acute hepatic injury induced by different doses of Diclofenac sodium (DIC) in albino rats. Materials and methods: Ninety male albino rats of 200-250 gm were sorted into 9 groups each with 10 rats: group1serves as control received orally normal saline, group 2 received a dose of 8 mg/kg DIC orally for 15 days, groups 4, 6, 8 received (50, 100, 150 mg/kg) DIC orally for 3 days, groups 3,5,7,9 received orally Moringa oleifera leaves extract (500 mg/kg) before the different DIC doses. At the end of the experiments, blood was collected for assessment of liver functions, pieces from right lobe of the liver were sectioned and stained for light and ultrastructural studies. Results: Biochemical results showed significant alteration in liver functions tests which coincide with severity of hepatocellular damage indicating acute hepatotoxicity. Histopathological changes include: dilatation and congestion of central veins and blood sinusoids. Apoptotic cells, mononuclear cells infiltration, periportal fibrous tissue deposition and focal areas of fatty degeneration (microvesicular steatosis) were observed. Ultrastructurally, there were degenerated cytoplasmic organelles (rER and mitochondria), prominent Von Kupffer cells and Ito cells. Such hepatotoxicity showed strong improvement when Moringa oleifera extract was administrated with DIC. Conclusion: The present study proved that acute hepatocellular damage induced by DIC was dose dependent which looked to be trigerred by mitochondrial dysfunction, and it was potentially improved by the administration of Moringa oleifera leaves extract.