Jatropha Tanjorensis attenuates doxorubicin-induced liver and spleen damages in rats

Abstract

Background & Aims: Doxorubicin is a widely used antineoplastic agent for the treatment of solid tumors but its use is limited by its several severe tissue and organ toxicities. This study investigated changes in liver and spleen as a result of toxicity produced by Doxorubicin and the protective role of aqueous leaf extract of J. Tanjorensis. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: Group 1 served as control and orally received normal saline once daily. Doxorubicin (15 mg/kg) was administered to Group 2 from day 10. Group 3 received J. Tanjorensis (300 mg/kg, orally) once daily for 12 days. Group 4 received J. Tanjorensis (300 mg/kg, orally) once daily for 12 days and Doxorubicin (15 mg/kg) from day 10. Group 5 received Vitamin C (100 mg/kg, orally) once daily for 12 days, and Doxorubicin (15 mg/kg) from day 10. Doxorubicin administration was done intraperitoneally for three consecutive days. Sera samples were collected and used to assess liver function enzymes and synthetic molecules. Liver and spleen tissues were used to examine histopathological analysis. Data were analyzed by SPSS v.20 at a significance level of P<0.05. Results: Administration of Doxorubicin caused significant increase in Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Acid Phosphatase (ACP), and total bilirubin (P values below 0.05), and a significant decrease in total protein and albumin compared to the control and J. Tanjorensis administered rats (P values below 0.05). The histopathological evaluation of liver tissue in the Doxorubicin injected rats revealed congestion, hemorrhagic necrosis, sinusoidal dilation, and mononuclear cell infiltration. Similarly, histology of spleen tissue in Doxorubicin administered rats showed degeneration and congestion, disintegrated peri-arteriolar lymphoid sheath, granuloma formation, and necrosis of lymphoid follicles. However, liver and spleen of rats given Doxorubicin and J. Tanjorensis showed reversal of liver function enzymes and synthetic ability towards normalcy, reduced signs of damage as well as recovering peri-arteriolar lymphoid sheath. Conclusion: Our study found that J. Tanjorensis is effective in preventing liver and spleen damage caused by Doxorubicin.