Silymarin Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Rabbits

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a widely used anticancer drug, but at high dose, it can produce undesirable side effects such as hepatotoxicity. In this study, the protective activity of silymarin against hepatic tissue damage induced by repeated administration of cisplatin was analyzed morphologically and biochemically. Male Newzeland rabbits were divided into four groups, 6 rabbits in each. Control group, silymarin group (100 mg /kg b.wt./day), Cisplatin treated group (3.5 mg /kg b. wt./day) and Cisplatin plus silymarin treated group. Results revealed that cisplatin caused histopathological effects on the hepatic tissue. These effects includes vacuolation of cells, lymphocytic infiltration, dilation of blood sinusoids and haemorrhage. Histochemical observations revealed a marked depletion of polysaccharide and proteins in the liver cells of cisplatin treated animals. Cisplatin hepatotoxicity was manifested biochemically by elevation of MDA and decrease in GSH and the activities of SOD in the liver tissues. Results showed that administration of cisplatin increased the immunohistochemical expression of Bcl-2 protein. Treatment with silymarin reduced histopathological and biochemical alterations in the liver tissue. These results suggested that silymarin possess protective effects against cisplatin hepatotoxicity in rabbits.