Dexamethasone Attenuates Cyclophosphamide-induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats

Cyclophosphamide (CP) has appreciably improved survival rate in cancer patients, but the occurrence of hepatotoxicity may undermine its use. This study assessed the potential of dexamethasone (DEXA) to prevent CP-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were randomised in to six groups of n = 6. Group I (Control) was treated with a dose of normal saline (0.3mL) intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 24 hr. Group II was treated with a dose of DEXA (1mg/kg) ip for 24 hr. Group III was treated with a dose of CP (150mg/kg) i.p for 24 hr. Group IV was treated i.p with a dose of CP (150 mg/kg) for 24hr before treatment with a dose of DEXA (1mg/kg) for 24 hr. Group V was co-treated with a dose of DEXA (1mg/kg) and a dose of CP (150mg/kg) i.p for 24hr. Group VI was pre-treated with a dose of DEXA (1mg/kg/ day) for 24 hr before treatment with a dose of CP (150mg/kg) ip for 24 hr. The rats were anesthetized after treatment; liver samples were excised and evaluated for histology and biochemical markers. Sera were obtained from blood samples and assessed for liver function markers. Liver glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels were decreased significantly (p < 0.001) whereas malondialdehyde levels were increased significantly (p < 0.001) in CP-treated rats when compared to control. Significant (p < 0.001) elevations in serum and liver aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, conjugated bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase and total bilirubin levels occurred in CP-treated rats when compared to control. The liver of CP-treated rats showed hepatocyte necrosis. Interestingly, the aforementioned alterations were significantly reversed in rats post-treated (p < 0.05), co-treated (p < 0.01) and pre-treated (p < 0.001) with DEXA when compared to CP. DEXA may be re-purposed as treatment for CP associated hepatotoxicity.