Investigation Of The Effects Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy On Hepatotoxicity Induced By Leflunomide in Rats New!

Inal A, Hallak M, Baktir MA, Ekebaş G, Atasever A. Investigation Of The Effects Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy On Hepatotoxicity Induced By Leflunomide in Rats. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2024 Fourth Quarter; 51(4):353-359.

Background: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO2) is a treatment modality that exposes patients to 100% oxygen at higher atmospheric pressures. Recently, HBO2 has emerged as a potential therapeutic option for various liver diseases, offering advantages such as improved tissue oxygenation, anti-inflammatory effects, enhanced wound healing, and potential hepatoprotective properties. Understanding the benefits of HBO2 in liver diseases can pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies and improved patient outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of HBO2 in arthritic rats treated with leflunomide (LEF) through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways.

Material and Methods: 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (8 animals in each group (n = 8)). 1st group was the control group, which received no treatment. 2nd group was RA + LEF
5 mg/kg, 3rd group was RA + LEF 5 mg/kg + HBO2. Rheumatoid arthritis was induced using Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). The treatment was initiated on the 10th day following induction and lasted for
a total of 18 days. The impact on disease progression was assessed through histological changes, which were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin staining, while the Anti-TNF-α antibody levels were determined.

Results: Compared with the RL group, the RLH group significantly decreases necrotic cells, Lymphocyte- rich mononuclear cells, and active anti-TNF-α.

Conclusion: HBO2 showed a beneficial effect and decreased hepatotoxicity on Leflunomide-induced liver injury.

DOI: 10.22462/712

Keywords: hepatotoxicity; hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2); leflunomide