Histological study on the possible protective role of parsleyoil on prednisolone-induced liver and lung injury in adult malealbino rats

BackgroundCorticosteroids have been used extensively since cortisone was first synthesizedin the 1950s, but it leads to the development of numerous side effects. Parsleyis one of the most effective medicinal herbs. It has antioxidant and free radicalscavenging activities.Aim of the workThe present study was designed to evaluate the toxic effect of the chronic use ofprednisolone on the histological structure of the liver and lung and the protectiveeffect of parsley oil against the changes induced by prednisolone.Materials and methodsTwenty-five adult male albino rats were used. They were divided into three groups:group I was the control group; group II received 2 mg/kg/day prednisolone oncedaily for 1 month; and group III received parsley oil 0.6 ml/kg/day once dailyfollowed by prednisolone after 2 h for 1 month. The liver and the lung weredissected out and processed for light and electron microscopic examination.In addition, a statistical study was carried out for determining the thickness ofthe interalveolar septum.ResultsIn group II, some hepatocytes showed vacuolations and fatty changes and otherhepatocytes revealed apoptotic changes. Lung tissue revealed sloughing of thebronchiolar epithelium. Hemorrhage and cellular infiltration were seen in airwayspaces. Moreover, there was highly significant thickening of the interalveolarsepta. Apparent increase in atypical type II pneumocytes with hyperchromaticnuclei was seen. Electron microscopy revealed vacuolated hyperchromatic typeII pneumocytes. In group III, liver cells were normal except for some vacuolationsin the cytoplasm. The lung continued to reveal significant increase in thicknessof the interalveolar septa. Some type II pneumocytes showed hyperchromaticfeatures. Electron microscopy revealed type II pneumocytes with a few lamellarbodies.ConclusionCompared with the liver, the dose of parsley and its duration of treatment withrespect to the lung should be markedly higher to have a significant effect, as thedestructive effect of prednisolone on the lung is greater than that on the liver.