Therapeutic Efficacy of Ursodeoxycholic Acid (Fortibile® tablet) on Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)-induced Hepatic Dysfunction in Experimental Animals

Abstract

Background: Hepatotoxicity is one of the common side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Scientific study stated that hepatotoxicity is the most serious adverse effects of Aceclofenac. Objectives: In this study, our aim was to investigate the use of Fortibile® tablet containing ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in prevention of the hepatotoxic effect and biochemical changes induced by aceclofenac (ACE) in laboratory mice. Materials and Methods: Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups (control, UDCA (Fortibile® tablet) 20 mg/kg, aceclofenac (ACE) 50mg/kg, UDCA 20 mg/kg + aceclofenac 50 mg/kg). Results: Administration of aceclofenac (ACE) showed decline body weight, food consumption, water intake and elevated liver weight in mice whereas treatment with UDCA (Fortibile® tablet) normalized the same as compared with untreated animals. Animals treated with aceclofenac caused elevated activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as total and direct bilirubin level. These elevations in liver enzymes were decreased by combination of aceclofenac with UDCA. On the other hand application of aceclofenac (ACE) on mice caused a significant increase in serum and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) content but significant decrease in glutathione GSH and GPx content. Combine thepary of UDCA and aceclofenac resulted in a significant decrease in MDA, NO content and significantly elevated GSH and GPx content. Conclusion: It could be concluded that Fortibile® tablet containing Ursodeoxycholic acid acts as an effective hepatoprotective agent against NSAIDs induced liver dysfunction, and this effect might be related to its antioxidant properties. Hepatic functions should be monitored, and the dose should be adjusted during aceclofenac (ACE) therapy. Keywords: Ursodeoxycholic acid, Aceclofenac, Hepatotoxicity, Liver function test, Oxidative stress,