A histological, colorimetric, and morphometric study on the potential protective effect of Resveratrol against Metronidazole-induced cardiac muscle toxicity in the adult male albino rat

Background: Metronidazole is an extensively used antibiotic and an antiprotozoal medication. Despite its widespread use, little is known about its cardiotoxic effect. Recent studies have raised concerns about its impact on oxidative stress and cardiac tissue integrity. On the other hand, Resveratrol, a plant origin polyphenol, has shown a plethora of beneficial cardiovascular effects.This study was conducted to investigate the prospective prophylactic role of Resveratrol in preventing cardiac muscle toxicity induced by Metronidazol.Material and Methods: Randomly selected 40 adult male albino rats were subdivided into four groups: control, Metronidazole group received 500 mg / kg body weight once a day for four weeks by oral administration, Metronidazole + Resveratrol group received Resveratrol first orally using 20 mg/kg then Metronidazole orally about 2 hours after administration of Resveratrol for 4 weeks, and Resveratrol group received it for 4 weeks. The cardiac muscle was analyzed using both light microscope as well as transmission electron microscope (TEM). Colorimetric study is used to assess the oxidative stress markers; the malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) level in the cardiac muscle tissue.Results: In Metronidazole- administered group, the cardiac MDA level was considerably elevated, the cardiac SOD level was significantly diminished and the histomorphometry of the cardiomyocytes showed marked degeneration and disorganization. In contrast, the cardiac muscle of the Metronidazole + Resveratrol group had colorimetric values and cytoarchitecture that were nearly like the control group. Conclusions: Resveratrol significantly mitigated the oxidative stress and structural cardiac damage induced by Metronidazole, suggesting its potential role as a cardioprotective agent.