Histological study of the protective role of ginger on piroxicam-induced liver toxicity in mice.

Abstract Background Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug widely used in rheumatic diseases. It has analgesic and antipyretic activity, and is one of the drugs being introduced in clinical practice. Piroxicam-hepatotoxicity has been reported as one of its principal side effects. Several natural antioxidants were found to be effective against drug induced toxicity. Ginger is known by its antioxidant activities and hepatoprotective effects. The present study aimed at studying the protective effect of Ginger on Piroxicam-induced histopathological changes in livers of male mice. Methods Forty adult mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group I served as the control group. Group ІІ received Ginger orally in a dose of 200 mg/kg per day for four weeks. Group ІІI received Piroxicam intraperitoneally in a dose of 0.3 mg/kg per day for four weeks. Group ІV received (Piroxicam + Ginger). At the end of the experiment, liver functions were estimated and then the liver was removed, and sampled for histopathological, immunohistochemistry and biochemical studies. Results Administration of ginger decreased elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and immunoexpression of the proapoptotic protein (Bax), induced by piroxicam. It increased immunoexpression of the antiapoptotic protein (Bcl2). It also ameliorated the morphological changes induced by piroxicam. Conclusion Piroxicam has toxic effects on the liver as indicated by biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical results. Ginger has protective effects against piroxicam-hepatotoxicity by reducing serum marker enzymes, liver fibrosis and apoptosis.