Interaction of Odontobuthus doriae Scorpion Venom and Cyclosporine on Levels of Liver Enzymes ALT, AST and Liver Histology in Mice

Inroduction & Objective:

Scorpion venom sometimes causes the production of pro inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-2, as a mediator of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. On the other hand, cyclosporine has cytokine inhibitory properties, especially interleukin-2. The aim of this study was to evaluate and identify the drug intervention to control and treat histopathological liver tissue failure caused by the harmful mechanisms of scorpion sting inflammation by injection of cyclosporine and Odontobuthus doriae scorpion venom.

This study was performed in Razi Serum and Vaccine Institute of Karaj and in this study male mice in 5 groups of 10; The first group of normal saline, The second group has only one sub-lethal dose of venom and groups 3, 4 and 5 in addition to one sub-lethal dose of venom, Cyclosporine was given at doses of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg/day, respectively. Serum levels of interleukin-2, Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase and liver tissue changes were determined by sampling liver tissue.

Venom injection significantly increased the serum levels of interleukin-2 (P <0.05), Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase and treatment with cyclosporine showed a significant decrease in the serum levels of interleukin-2 (P <0.05) and Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase. Histological studies showed improvement in edema, hemorrhage, and hepatic hyperemia in the groups after cyclosporine injection compared with the venom group

Cyclosporine treatment significantly reduces the effects of scorpion venom on interleukin-2 levels, as well as the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and liver tissue injury.