Protective effect of three developed gel formulations: Chitosan, Chitosan with Taurine and Chitosan with Dexpanthenol, on the acute overdose of Diclofenac sodium in preclinical studies

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the tissue-protective effects of three gel formulations (chitosan, chitosan with taurine or chitosan with dexpanthenol) as active substances against an acute overdose of diclofenac sodium. Methods: White outbred conventional male rats were allocated to five experimental groups: the first is an intact group that did not receive any drug, the second group is a control group that received 50mg/kg of diclofenac sodium once orally, the third, fourth and fifth groups are an experimental group that received our studied drugs at a dose of 0.16ml/100mg b.w. once orally 1 hr. before diclofenac sodium, the third group received chitosan-based gel 1%, the fourth group received chitosan-based gel 1% with 4% taurine and the fifth group chitosan-based gel 1% with 0.43% dexpanthenol. Blood samples were taken for biochemical, hematological and blood coagulation system tests on day 7th after administration of diclofenac sodium. Results: An acute overdose of diclofenac sodium caused marked extensive tissue necrosis in the liver, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract and inflammatory process, these marks were evidenced by different changes in the test of the blood samples. Significantly 73.6% of the blood indicators were improved by the administration of chitosan-based gel 1% with 0.43% dexpanthenol, while 57.8% were improved by chitosan-based gel 1% with 4% taurine and 68.4% by chitosan-based gel 1%. Conclusion: Chitosan-based gel 1% with dexpanthenol 0.43% can help in mitigating hepatic injury, gastrointestinal bleeding, and systemic and local intestinal inflammation caused by an acute overdose of diclofenac sodium.