Evaluation of Possible Ameliorative Role of Wheat Germ Oil on Hepatotoxicity Induced by the Combination of Two Anti-Tubercular Drugs (Isoniazid and Rifampicin) in Rats

Abstract

The study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of wheat germ oil (WGO) against hepatotoxicity induced during treatment with the combination of two anti-tubercular (anti-TB) drugs, Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RIF) in rats. Fatty acid and Vit E. contents of WGO were assayed by GC-MS and HPLC respectively. Rats received WGO at two different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg. body weight, p. o, for 30 days) 30 minutes before Anti-TB drugs. Liver functions test, inflammatory mediator marker (IL-10 and NF-κB), oxidative stress (GSH, MDA) and NO were determined with different techniques. Furthermore, histological findings, immunohistochemical and ultra-structure were carried out. In-vitro analysis of the WGO revealed that linoleic and oleic acids were the major compounds, and WGO was rich in vitamin E. Significant elevation in liver enzymes, NF-κB, and depletion in IL-10, along with a disturbance in the antioxidant defense systems. Meanwhile, WGO improves all these changes in a dose-dependent manner as compared with the anti-TB intoxicated group. The hepatoprotective effect of WGO was confirmed with immune histochemical and histopathological findings. WGO has a hepatoprotective effect against hepatotoxicity induced by combined therapy of anti-TB drugs (INH+RIF).