PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF LUTEIN AGAINST RIBAVIRIN TOXICITY IN ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

INTRODUCTION: Ribavirin is a broad-spectrum antiviral drug that is used to cure hepatitis C and

other viral infections. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the protective effects of lutein against red blood

cell membrane damage caused by ribavirin toxicity. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was

conducted at Isra University Hyderabad from October 2021-February 2022. Study animals were recruited

from the animal husbandry of Sindh Agriculture University, Tando-Jam. Healthy male Albino Wistar rats

of bodyweight between 200 and 250 grams were included in the study while female and unhealthy rats were

excluded from the study. Animals were handled according to guidelines for handling laboratory animals

provided by the national institute of health. Total of 30 rats (selected randomly) were allowed to acclimatize

after which they were divided into three equal (n=10) groups. Group I, II and III. Group I (Control group):

The animals received normal chow along with 0.9% normal saline as placebo drug. Group II (Ribavirin or

experimental group): These animals received Ribavirin alone (4mg/Kg/day) along with normal chow.

Group III (Ribavirin plus Lutein group): These animals received Ribavirin (4mg/Kg/day) with Lutein

(150mg/ Kg/day) along with normal chow diet. RESULTS: There is a significant decline in the body

weight of study animals in group II compared with the animals in groups I and III. There is no significant

difference (p> 0.05) in body weight between the animals in all study groups. There was a significant

decrease in mean RBC count, MCV, MCHC, MCH and hematocrit count in the ribavirin-treated

experimental group (group II) compared with the counterparts in groups I and III. There was a statistically

significant difference (p<0.05) in mean RBC count, MCHC and hematocrit count. CONCLUSION:

Ribavirin leads to marked red blood cell hemolysis as evident through peripheral blood smear and RBC

indices. Lutein has a protective role against ribavirin-induced hemolysis in rats.