الفهرس 
Introduction and Review of LiteratureOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Azathioprine (AZA) is widely used as an immunosuppressant in transplant recipients, particularly for the prevention of renal graft rejection, and is also employed in cardiac and hepatic transplantation. The therapeutic use of AZA is, however, associated with many adverse effects. Our study investigated the protective effects of chamomile flower methanolic extract (CFME) and fennel seed methanolic extract (FSME) against AZA-induced hepatotoxicity, haemotoxicity and immunotoxicity in rats. Six groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats (10 rats each) were used in this study and treated daily by gastric intubation for 28 consecutive days. Group 1: Control group. Group 2: Rats of this group received orally AZA at a dose of 25 mg/kg b.w. Group 3: Rats of this group received orally CFME at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. Group 4: Rats of this group received orally CFME at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. 15 minutes before each AZA treatment. Group 5: Rats of this group were received orally FSME at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. Group 6: Rats of this group received orally FSME at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. 15 minutes before each AZA treatment.
The results revealed that AZA treatment induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress indicated by elevations in hepatic MDA as an indicator to lipid peroxidation process, serum ALT, AST, ALP, D.Bil and cholesterol. Also AZA treatment caused decreases in hepatic GSH, NO and TAC. These changes were accompanied with histopathological changes in the liver. AZA treatment induced some haematological and immunological changes. As it induced significant decreases in total WBCs, lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, RBCs and Plt counts, and Hb value. In addition, AZA produced significant decreases in serum TNF-α, IL-6 and IgE levels confirmed by histopathological changes in the spleen. The administration of either CFME or FSME prior to AZA produced pronounced potential role against the damaging impact of AZA. They reduced the hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress