Abstract

Objectives: We investigated the morphologic changes showing hepatocellular damage caused by the chronic use of cisplatin, an antineoplastic agent, and the protective effect of vitamins E and C.

Study Design: Twenty-four Wistar albino male rats were randomly assigned to four groups, equal in number, to receive intravenous 5 mg/kg of cisplatin once a month for three months except for the control rats (group 1). The rats in group 3 and 4 also received daily intramuscular injections of 5 mg/kg of vitamin E and 8 mg/kg of vitamin C, respectively. At the end of three months, the livers were removed for light and electron microscopic examinations.

Results: Control rats showed a normal liver tissue structure. Group 2 rats exhibited disorganization of the Remak's fibers, thickening of the basement membrane together with dilatation of the sinusoids near the centrolobular vein, and lymphocyte infiltration in the portal areas. In vitamin E-treated rats, there was a significant decrease in morphological damage, with disappearance of lymphocyte infiltration in the portal areas. Vitamin C-treated rats manifested the least morphological damage, with a rare infiltration to portal areas and decreased number of infiltration cells.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the use of antioxidants of different properties may help reduce cisplatin hepatotoxicity, thus contributing to clinical applications.