Histomorphological and biochemical alterations on the liver of Wistar rats following co-administration of NSAIDs (Piroxicam, Diclofenac and Ibuprofen)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are an important therapeutic class of drugs widely used to suppress acute or chronic pains and  inflammatory diseases such as in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OS) etc. The aim of this study was to investigate the random combination and  individual effect of COX-2 inhibitors (NSAIDs) on the liver. This study was conducted using a total of 40 adults Wistar rats. The rats were divided into eight  groups of 5 rats each. Group one was the control group, group 2 was given piroxicam (0.29mg/kg) daily, group 3 was given ibuprofen (5.71mg/kg) daily,  and group 4 received diclofenac (1.42mg/kg) daily. Group 5 received piroxicam (0.29mg/kg bodyweight) plus ibuprofen (0.58mg/kg), group 6 received  piroxicam (0.29mg/kg) plus diclofenac (1.42mg/kg) and group 7 received ibuprofen (0.58mg/kg) plus diclofenac (1.42mg/kg) respectively daily. Group 8  was given Piroxicam (0.29mg/kg bodyweight) plus Ibuprofen (5.71mg/kg) plus diclofenac (1.42mg/kg) daily. Intervention was over a period of 3days.  Animals were sacrificed after 24 hours and the liver tissues were excised, some were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histological studies while  others were placed in normal saline for biochemical analysis. The results revealed that there was no significant statistical difference in total bilirubin, ALT  and AST when compared to the control. This suggests that NSAIDs may have no significant effects on the liver for this regimen. Histological changes  observed were congested portal vein, haemorrhagic bile ducts, distortion of portal triad and sinusoids, and degeneration of hepatocytes. In conclusion,  NSAIDs may have harmful effect on the cytoarchitecture of the liver which can lead to liver damage especially when given in high doses and in  combination, but however it had no effect on liver function. 

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