Potential Effects of Boldine on Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Inflammatory Changes Induced by the Methylprednisolone Hepatotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background Synthetic glucocorticoid therapeutic agent methylprednisolone (MPL), when used for an extended period of time at high dose, promotes the development of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced liver toxicity. This study investigated the role of boldine, a natural antioxidant with anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties, against MPL-induced hepatoxicity in male Wistar rats. Methods 120 rats were divided into eight equal groups: G1 (control), G2, 3, and 4 (rats orally administered 5, 10, and 50 mg boldine/kg b.w./day; respectively, for 28 days), G5 (rats intramuscularly injected with 100 mg MPL/kg b.w. only on the last three days), G6, 7, and 8 (rats administered boldine + MPL). After the last MPL injection, rats were sacrificed at intervals of 1, 24, and 48 h. Results There was a significant decrease in WBCs, RBCs count, and HGB levels, as well as an increase in PLT count, ALT, AST, TG, and LDL levels, and a decrease in HDL level in serum. Oxidative stress markers levels increased at all times, and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes increased at 24h. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that cytochrome c levels significantly increased after MPL treatment. The COMET assay revealed detectable DNA lesions. There was no immune reactivity of IL-6 expressions as an inflammatory response marker. Conclusions Oral administration of boldine has a modulatory protective, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effect against free radicals.