Chlorpheniramine Maleate Induced Cardiotoxicity, Hepatotoxicity and Antioxidant Gene Expression Changes in Male Wistar Rats

Background and Objective: Chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM), an H1-receptor antagonist, belongs to the first generation of antihistamines. It is used in the treatment of allergy and has several adverse effects. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the possible adverse effects of chlorpheniramine maleate on major target organs: Heart, liver and blood in young male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: One dose was used, 2 mg kg(-1) b.wt., with 2 different times of duration; the first treated group of the animal was given the former dose of CPM orally twice a day for 5 successive days. The second treated group of animals was given 2 mg kg(-1) b.wt., of CPM orally twice a day for 5 successive days; then animals were rest left for one week after which the oral CPM at dose level 2 mg kg(-1) b.wt., was administered twice for another 5 successive days. Results: CPM produced changes in the treated groups. Histopathological and cytopathological changes were recorded in the hepatocytes and cardiac muscle fibers of all treated groups with CPM. The effect of CPM on the activity of the mRNA of antioxidant genes was detected by using semiquantitative RT-PCR. The expression of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in the liver, heart and blood were altered compared to the control. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that chlorpheniramine maleate has cardiotoxic and hepatotoxic effects by increasing the free radical formation and decreasing the ability of the internal antioxidant defense system to detoxify reactive oxvaen species.