Effect of Melatonin and Vitamin E on Amphotericin-B Induced Morphological Changes of Liver in Rabbits

Background : Since melatonin has been effective in some studies to improve liver failure and yet its effect in reducing liver toxicity of amphotericin B was not evaluated, in the present study the effects of melatonin and vitamin E were compared in reducing liver toxicity caused by amphotericin B in rabbits.
Materials and Methods : The study was performed on five groups of rabbits one control group, and 4 amphotericin (1 mg/kg) receiving groups (2 to 5), group 3 received melatonin (1 mg/kg), group 4 received vitamin E (80 mg/kg), and group 5 received melatonin together with vitamin E. Alterations in enzyme activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase in serum and liver tissue were evaluated.
Results : Results showed that administration of amphotericin had significantly increased the activity level of liver function related enzymes. But consumption of vitamin E and melatonin prevented this increase, while the combination of vitamin E and melatonin had a more significant effect on lactate dehydrogenase. Also compared with the control group, liver tissue damage and cellular damage were significant after amphotericin consumption and these changes were decreased by melatonin and vitamin E.
Conclusion : Melatonin and vitamin E may prevent liver damage caused by amphotericin through their antioxidant properties.