Hepatoprotective and renoprotective effects of silymarin against salinomycin-induced toxicity in adult rabbits

Abstract

Background and Aim: Salinomycin sodium, a licensed coccidiostat in rabbits, is used for fattening at a dose of 20–25 mg/kg. Salinomycin toxicity may arise from many risk factors (e.g., overdosage or use in non-target animal species). Silymarin extracted from milk thistle has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. This study aimed to investigate the adverse impacts of oral administration of salinomycin for 28 consecutive days and how to reduce its risks and side effects by administering silymarin. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four male New Zealand White bucks (1.750–2.000 kg) were randomly divided into seven groups (12 each). Group one was the control. Groups two and three were administered salinomycin orally (doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg ration). Group four was administered salinomycin (20 mg/kg ration) and silymarin (6.5 mg/kg body weight [BW]). Group five received salinomycin (40 mg/kg ration) and silymarin (13 mg/kg BW). Groups six and seven were administered silymarin at doses of 6.5 and 13 mg/kg BW. Rabbits were euthanized and slaughtered on day 29 using the Halal method. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, urea, total proteins, albumin, total cholesterol, and high- and low-density lipoprotein (HDL and LDL) were analyzed in serum. Glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated in the liver. A histopathological investigation was performed on the liver and kidney. Results: The MDA activity, AST, ALT, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, urea, and creatinine values were significantly elevated in groups two and three. The GSH, catalase, SOD, and HDL were significantly lower in these groups than in the control group. There were moderate pathologic changes in the liver and kidney of the third group . However, the results of the fourth and fifth groups improved more than those of the second and third groups. The results of the sixth and seventh groups were nearly the same as those of the control group. Conclusion: Salinomycin toxicity was caused by oxidative damage because of reactive oxygen species formation. Silymarin (6.5 or 13 mg/kg BW) tends to prevent and treat accidental toxicity. However, the high dose of silymarin (13 mg/kg BW) had more renal and hepatoprotective capacities.

Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Silybum marianum Seed Extract Rich in Silydianin and Silychristin in a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome

“…Using an established LC–MS analysis protocol, the SMEE prepared and investigated in the present study was found to be rich in silydianin and silychristin (51.2%), whereas silybin was found to be present in a much lower amount (<10%). It is worth mentioning that all published studies on S. marianum extracts have been focusing on silymarin that is rich in silybin (50%). − ,,,− ,− Our findings may hint at yet unexplored effects of silydianin and silychristin, and therefore, more research should be concentrated on these understudied flavonolignans.…”

“…S. marianum extracts had previously shown antioxidant activities by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase and increasing intracellular and liver glutathione levels and scavenging free radicals, thereby exerting hepatoprotective effects . In another study, silymarin was found to improve renal function, and it protected the liver and pancreas against protein damage without affecting hyperglycemia in diabetic animals .…”

“…34,44 S. marianum extracts had previously shown antioxidant activities by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase and increasing intracellular and liver glutathione levels and scavenging free radicals, thereby exerting hepatoprotective effects. 45 In another study, silymarin was found to improve renal function, and it protected the liver and pancreas against protein damage without affecting hyperglycemia in diabetic animals. 46 Also, it was demonstrated that this herbal plant can improve lipid profiles by decreasing the oxidative stress parameters that are elevated in hypercholesterolemia and by inhibiting lipid-peroxidation enzymes through flavonolignan constituents.…”

Comparative Effectiveness of Silymarin and Choline Chloride (Liver Tonics) in Preventing the Effects of Aflatoxin B1 in Broiler Chicks

“…In comparison to choline chloride, silymarin was more effective in reducing the adverse effects of AFB1 on blood enzymes, creatinine, uric acid, and MDA while also increasing TAC value. This may be due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-lipid peroxidative, membrane stabilizing properties and liver regeneration processes (Radko and Cybulski, 2007;Ghonaim et al, 2022).…”