Hepatic perturbations provoked by azathioprine: a paradigm to rationalize the cytoprotective potential of Ficus hispida Linn.
The present study was embarked upon in an endeavor to ascertain whether Ficus hispida leaf extract (FHLE) modulates azathioprine-induced hepatic damage. Azathioprine treated rats displayed a plethora of pathological events, which include loss of hepatocellular membrane integrity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nuclear damage; whilst FHLE pretreated rats significantly precluded these abnormalities. These data were in harmony with the transmission electron microscopic studies. Observations from this investigation directed us to propose the plausible mechanisms through which FHLE thwarts the repercussions of azathioprine-induced hepatocellular necrosis: upholding of thiol homeostasis, curtailing the membrane effects, and perpetuation of adenine nucleotide status. These data offer credence to the notion that FHLE might be a beneficial intervention in the prevention of hepatotoxicity in azathioprine therapy.
Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Chennai, India. shanmuga5@yahoo.com
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Shanmugarajan
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Devaki
D000227:Adenine Nucleotides / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000963:Antimetabolites / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019610:Cytoprotection; D030681:Ficus / Q000737:chemistry*; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008930:Mitochondria, Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000737:chemistry
D000227:Adenine Nucleotides; D000963:Antimetabolites; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D001379:Azathioprine