The protective effect of beta-1,3-D-glucan on taxol-induced hepatotoxicity: a histopathological and stereological study.

The present study was undertaken to determine the histopathological and quantitative effects of the antineoplastic agent, taxol, on the liver. The protective effects of the strong antioxidant, beta-1,3-D-glucan, against liver damage induced by taxol were also investigated. Mice were divided into four main treatment groups: control, taxol, beta-1,3-D-glucan, and taxol+beta-1,3-D-glucan. Each group was further subdivided into six subgroups, according to time of sacrifice (6, 12, 24, and 48 hours and 7 and 14 days). After the experiments, quantitative and histopathological changes in liver were examined by light microscopy and modern stereological systems. Stereological results indicated that the portal triad area of the taxol group was significantly reduced, compared to the controls at 12 hours, whereas in the taxol plus beta-glucan and beta-glucan groups, the means were similar to those of the controls. There was no statistically significant difference in the numerical density of hepatocytes with time between the control and other groups. The histopathological results indicated an increased, time-dependent degeneration and necrosis of the liver tissues in mice in the taxol group. Regenerative changes in livers of mice in the taxol plus beta-glucan group were observed, when compared with those of the taxol group. Stereological and histopathological results suggest that beta-glucan may reduce taxol-induced hepatic damage by blocking the change in the portal area and suppressing processes leading to necrosis.