Selenium Safeguards the Liver Against ۵-Fluorouracil Induced Toxicity

Background: The hepatotoxic effect of ۵-fluorouracil (۵-FU) can deprive cancer patients of its maximum therapeutic benefits. Selenium (Se) is a trace element with potential benefits in some animal models of diseases. Objectives: This study assessed the ability of Se to nullify the hepatotoxic effect of ۵-FU in albino rats.  Methods: In this study, ۴۰ adult male albino rats were grouped into A to D (each ۵ rats). Rats in group A (control) were treated intraperitoneally (IP) with normal saline (۰.۲ mL) daily for ۵ days. Rats in groups B۱ to B۳ were treated IP with Se (۰.۱۲۵, ۰.۲۵, and ۰.۵۰ mg/kg) daily for ۵ days, respectively. Rats in group C were treated IP with ۵-FU (۲۰ mg/kg) daily for ۵ days. Rats in groups D۱to D۳ were treated IP with Se with ۰.۱۲۵, ۰.۲۵, and ۰.۵۰ mg/kg before treatment with ۵-FU (۲۰ mg/kg) daily for ۵ days, respectively. After treatment, the rats were euthanized, and their blood samples were collected and evaluated for serum liver function. Liver samples were evaluated for biochemical and histological parameters. Results: Liver and serum aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and conjugated bilirubin levels were significantly (P<۰.۰۰۱) high in ۵-FU-treated rats in comparison to the control group. Liver glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione levels were significantly (P<۰.۰۰۱) low whereas the malondialdehyde level was significantly (P<۰.۰۰۱) high in ۵-FU-treated rats compared with the control group. Moreover, hepatocyte necrosis was observed in ۵-FU-treated rats.  Conclusion: Nonetheless, ۵-FU-induced hepatotoxicity was significantly nullified in rats supplemented with Se (۰.۱۲۵ mg/kg, P<۰.۰۵; ۰.۲۵ mg/kg, P<۰.۰۱, and ۰.۵ mg/kg, P<۰.۰۰۱) in a dose-dependent fashion in comparison to ۵-FU-treated rats. Thus, Se may have a clinical benefit in ۵-FU-induced hepatotoxicity

کلیدواژه ها:

۵-Fluorouracil ، Liver chemotherapy ، Toxicity ، Selenium ، Protection ، Antioxidant