Abstract
Abstract Introduction: Hepatitis caused by virus C results in serious health complications. Sofosbuvir is effective for treating hepatitis C but, with side effects especially on kidneys. Plumbagin is a natural plant with a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Aim: The assessment of plumbagin effect on the renal cortical damage in rats induced by sofosbuvir, by assessing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), JAK2/STAT3 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Materials and Methods: Forty adult rats (250–300 g) were divided into: group 1 (control); Group 2 received sofosbuvir 36 mg/kg; Group 3 received sofosbuvir and low dose of plumbagin (5 mg/kg); Group 4 received sofosbuvir and mid-dose of plumbagin (10 mg/kg); Group 5 received sofosbuvir and high dose of plumbagin (20 mg/kg); and Group 6 (sofosbuvir recovery). Drugs were taken once daily orally for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected for the assessment of renal functions and serum TNF-α and IL-6. Renal specimens were processed for both measuring tissue JAK2/STAT3 levels and for histological and immunohistochemical studies. Results: Group 2 showed a significant rise of blood urea and serum creatinine, serum TNF-α and IL-6, tissue JAK2/STAT3, hematoxylin and eosin significant histopathological changes, significant increase of collagen area density at Masson’s trichrome and significant rise of NF-κB-positive cells. Plumbagin treated groups showed dose-dependent amelioration of the preceding results. The recovery group showed partial recovery. Conclusion: Plumbagin has an ameliorating dose-dependent effect against sofosbuvir-induced renal cortical damage in rats rather than those left to recover alone through its antiinflammatory action. Hence, plumbagin could be promising for the treatment of different inflammatory diseases.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call