The Protective Role of Melatonin against Sodium Arsenite-Induced Hepato- Toxicity in Male Rabbits: Biochemical and Histopathological Study
Keywords:
Rabbits, Sodium Arsenite, Melatonin, Hepatotoxicity, Liver Enzymes, HistopathologyAbstract
Background: Sodium arsenite (Sa) is a potent environmental pollutant known to induce severe organ toxicity through oxidative stress. Melatonin (Me) is a powerful antioxidant that may mitigate these effects. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the protective role of melatonin against hepatic damage induced by sodium arsenite in male New Zealand White rabbits. Materials and Methods: Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: Control, Melatonin (10 mg/kg), Sodium Arsenite (5 mg/kg), and a combination group (Me+Sa) for a period of 12 weeks. Results: Exposure to Sa led to a significant (P < 0.05) increase in liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT, and ALP) and plasma bilirubin, accompanied by a significant decrease in total protein and albumin levels. Histopathological examination of the Sa group revealed extensive fatty degeneration, fibrous encapsulation, and tissue degradation. 5Conversely, concurrent administration of melatonin with arsenic significantly ameliorated these biochemical alterations and preserved the normal hepatic architecture. Conclusion: The results indicate that melatonin effectively attenuates arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity by stabilizing cellular membranes and maintaining the structural integrity of the liver, likely due to its potent antioxidant properties.
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