AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF CURCUMIN AGAINST HEPATORENAL ADVERSE EFFECTS OF CEFEPIME IN RATS

Background: To examine the ameliorative effect of curcumin against the hepatorenal adverse effects of cefepime in rats. Methods: A total of 48 albino rats were divided into four groups, each of 12 rats. Group one was considered as a control and was administered saline solution. Group two was the cefepime-treated group (45 mg/b.wt. intramuscularly) once daily for five consecutive days. Group three was the curcumin-treated group (200 mg/b.wt. orally) once daily for five consecutive and group four was pretreated with curcumin followed by cefepime once daily for five consecutive days as above. Blood samples and liver and kidneys specimens were collected on the first, 7th and 14th day post treatment for serum biochemical assessment and histopathological examinations. Results: Cefepime-treated rats showed significant (P≤0.05) increases in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, total protein and albumin suggesting liver damage. There were also significant (P≤0.05) increases in the serum levels of urea and creatinine suggesting alterations of kidney functions. The alterations in serum biochemical parameters were associated with histopathological changes in liver and kidney. These alterations could successfully be ameliorated by pretreatment with curcumin. Conclusion: Results suggest a possible contribution of cefepime in hepatic and nephrotoxicity with apparent biochemical and histopathological alterations. Therefore, patient renal function and liver function should be monitored before and during cefepime therapy. Pretreatment with curcumin could limit the adverse effect of cefepime on liver and kidneys.