Protective effect of Spirulina and Lagenaria siceraria on betamethasone adverse effects in rats.

BACKGROUND

Betamethasone (BM) is a long-acting synthetic fluorinated glucocorticoid with metabolic, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects. However, its use is associated with adverse effects, particularly on the liver and kidneys.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Spirulina and Lagenaria siceraria against bone marrow-induced adverse effects in rats.

METHODS

Sixty male Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups and treated for three successive weeks. The control group received distilled water orally on a daily basis water daily, the BM group, BM and Spirulina group, BM and Lagenaria siceraria group, Spirulina group, and Lagenaria siceraria group. Blood and tissue samples were collected for different liver and kidney function parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and immune-related parameters.

RESULTS

BM caused a significant increase in serum urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels. Liver function was disturbed as liver enzymes showed significant increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and glutathione triphosphate (GGT), and decreased total protein, albumin, and globulin. Sodium, potassium, and calcium levels significantly decreased. The lipid profiles showed an increase in HDL cholesterol, VLDL, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and TGs. The oxidant and oxidant status showed an increase in MDA and a decrease in superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity. Increases in the random blood glucose, insulin level (fasting), and hemostatic insulin assignment of insulin resistance, PTH, and increased TGF-β and IL6 in the liver, kidney, and spleen were also recorded. Spirulina and Lagenaria siceraria showed significant ameliorative effects against such adverse effects of BM.

CONCLUSION

Spirulina and/or Lagenaria siceraria are highly recommended during the treatment course of BM.