Role of Bee Propolis and Vitamin E in Attenuating Doxorubicin-induced Hepatic Toxicity in Rats

Background: Doxorubicin (Dox) is a powerful chemotherapy medication in the anthracycline antibiotic group. However, due to its substantial toxic side effects in various non-target organs, its clinical application is restricted, which leads to hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity.Objectives: To investigate the role of vitamin E and bee propolis as protective agents to ameliorate Dox-induced hepatic toxicity.Materials and methods: A total of 50 adult male albino rats weighing 240±55g were randomly divided into seven groups. The time interval for the experiment was extended to 22 days. Liver function tests and histopathological inspection were performed according to documented protocols. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected, and serums were separated, numbered and used to assess the liver functions, including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum albumin, and total serum bilirubin. Also, the liver was preserved and later examined microscopically with H & E stains.Results: A severe decline in albumin levels was observed with 20 mg/kg of Dox, compared to the control, confirming the damaging effect of Dox on the hepatocyte-producing ability of albumin. The bee propolis or vitamin E showed significant protective effects on the liver by keeping the normal levels of total bilirubin, AST, ALT, and ALP compared to the control. Furthermore, the bee propolis or vitamin E in combination with Dox showed non-significant changes in the level of albumin compared to the Dox group. The histological investigation was in parallel with biochemical data in confirming the protective effects of bee propolis and/or vitamin E against Dox-induced hepatic toxicity.Conclusion: The administration of specific drugs, like bee propolis and vitamin E, has demonstrated a protective effect against Dox-induced toxicity.