Prophylactic Effect of Vitamin C on Cyclosporine A-induced Liver Toxicity

Abstract

Background: Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an important immunosuppressive agent; however, its clinical use is limited by several side effects such as hepatotoxicity. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a very important and powerful antioxidant and protects membranes against oxidation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to study protective role of vitamin C against CSA-induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wister strain rats weighting 230 – 260 g were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): group A was the control group and received placebo (Normal Saline), group B was the CSA-treated group and received 15mg/kg/day CsA for 21 days, group C was the CsA + vitamin C group and was received 200mg/kg/day vitamin C orally 3 hours before receiving 15mg/kg/day CsA. On 22th day rats serum obtained for measuring biochemical factors including bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein, and albumin. Results: Bilirubin, ALT, AST, triglyceride, ALP, and LDH levels were lower in CsA + ascorbic acid group than that of CsA group (P < 0.05) while plasma total protein and albumin were significantly higher in CsA + ascorbic acid group than that of CsA group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, we have shown that vitamin C administration provides protection against CSA-induced injury in rat liver function and may have hepatoprotective role in the patients experiencing CSA treatment.