Astaxanthin improves hematology, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the albino rats’ kidney model of dexamethasone toxicity


Fikri F., Miftahurrohmah A., Pratama M. S., Qosdina D. F., Sya’ban G. F., Maslamama S. T., ...More

Open Veterinary Journal, vol.15, no.6, pp.2511-2517, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.5455/ovj.2025.v15.i6.23
  • Journal Name: Open Veterinary Journal
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.2511-2517
  • Keywords: Astaxanthin, Dexamethasone toxicity, Drug safety, Hematology, Interleukin-6, Tumor necrosis factor-α
  • Eskisehir Osmangazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: In therapeutic scenarios, the anti-inflammatory medication dexamethasone is frequently administered. However, the consequences of prolonged use and dose residue may result in dexamethasone toxicity. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid antioxidant that may lessen the harmful effects of dexamethasone. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of astaxanthin in a dexamethasone toxicity model in the kidney of albino rats based on hematological profiles and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression. Methods: The study involved the random assignment of 25 albino rats into five treatment groups with five replications: (C−) placebo, (C+) intramuscular injection of 0.75 mg/kg BW of dexamethasone, and (T1, T2, and T3) intramuscular injection of 0.75 mg/kg BW of dexamethasone and oral administration of 2, 6, and 12 mg/kg BW of astaxanthin, respectively. All experimental animals were administered therapy for 10 days. Hematological profiles were evaluated using a blood analyzer, whereas IL-6 and TNF-α expression was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining. Results: Based on leukocyte, erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit characteristics, groups T2 and T3 were generally found to be significantly different (p < 0.05) from group C+ regarding the reduction of the effects of dexamethasone. In the meantime, group T3 showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in TNF-α and IL-6 expression compared with group C+. Conclusion: The administration of 12 mg/kg BW of astaxanthin may be an antidote to dexamethasone toxicity in albino rats, according to the overall assessment of the hematological profile, IL-6, and TNF-α cytokines in the kidney.