Protective role of green tea extract against tamoxifen-induced liver injury in albino rats

Background Tamoxifen (TAM) is a synthetic antiestrogen commonly used to treat breast cancer in women. TAM-induced hepatotoxicity has been described, including toxic hepatitis, massive hepatic steatosis, or multifocal hepatic fatty infiltration. Tea is one of the most popular beverages consumed worldwide. Some studies indicated that green tea prevents hepatotoxicity and has antitumorigenic effects. Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effects of green tea extract (GTE) against TAM-induced liver injury in rats. Materials and methods Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups (10 rats each): the control group; the green tea group, administered 1.5% GTE orally for 18 days; the TAM group, treated with 45 mg/kg/day of TAM for 7 days; and the TAM and green tea group, administered 1.5% GTE 4 days before and 14 days after TAM treatment. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. The livers were removed and processed for light microscopic examination. Results The TAM-treated group showed loss of normal architecture of hepatic lobules, hemorrhage, cholestasis, ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes, steatosis, inflammatory cells infiltration, Kupffer cells hyperplasia, and dilated and congested sinusoids and portal venules. Liver sections of the TAM and green tea-treated group showed normal architecture of hepatic lobules, portal triad, hepatocytes, central vein, and blood sinusoids. Conclusion Green tea has protective effects against TAM-induced hepatotoxicity.