Role of dexamethasone in correction of liver functions following oral administration of paraquat in male albino rats

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic potency of dexamethasone (Dx) in the adjustment of liver function tests in experimental paraquat (PQ)- induced oxidative stress in male albino rats. Three groups of rats were subjected to this trial, control, PQ group (50 mg/ kg orally) and PQ with Dx (50 mg/ kg orally, 4 mg/ kg ip. respectively) throughout 15 days. Results revealed that treatment with PQ caused a mortality rate in a ratio of 30%, increased (p?0.05) glucose, cholesterol, bilirubin concentrations and alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and amylase active ties but the concentrations of both triglycerides and serum proteins were reduced compared with control whereas the treatment of PQ- treated rats with Dx improved the mortality rate and corrected the activity of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase enzymes whereas Dx treatment induced an elevation in amylase activity in addition to the elevation of concentrations of total cholesterol, total protein and albumin in comparison with values of PQ- treated rats, Dx did not affect the concentration of glucose. In conclusion, the treatment of PQ- induced toxicity with Dx in rats was efficient in correction of most liver functions tests.