Misoprostol alleviates paclitaxel-induced liver damage through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects

Abstract

Backgrounds Anticancer drugs may damage non-target cells and tissues. One of the biggest reasons for changing or stopping chemotherapy regimens is these adverse effects. Objective This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic and protective efficacy of misoprostol (MP) against the harmful effects of paclitaxel (PAX), an anticancer drug, on normal liver tissue. Results Biochemical examinations revealed that activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and levels of triglyceride, and cholesterol and levels of tissue malondialdehyde increased significantly in the PAX group compared to the control group, and glutathione level decreased. The histological structure of the liver tissue of the control group rats was normal. Histopathological changes, such as focal microvesicular steatosis, sinusoidal dilatation, mononuclear cell infiltration, Councilman bodies, and an increase in apoptosis, were also observed in PAX group. The histopathological changes observed in the PAX group were greatly improved in the PAX + MP group. Conclusion When the obtained data were evaluated, it was concluded that the combined use of PAX with MP could reduce the cytotoxic effects of PAX on normal liver tissue, allowing cancer treatment to be continued uninterrupted and effectively.