Effect of Moclobemide on Serum Level of Hepatic Transaminases, Blood Biochemical Parameters and Liver Histopathological Changes in Adult Male Rats

Moclobemide (MCB) is an antidepressant that is metabolized in the liver and acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of MCB on serum levels of hepatic transaminases, blood biochemical parameters and histopathological changes of liver in adult male rats.

Thirty two adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 8. The control group did not receive any treatment, but the experimental groups (Exp) 1, 2 and 3 received doses of 160, 320 and 640 mg/kg MCB as oral gavage for 28 days, respectively. At the end of the study, body weight, liver weight, serum levels of liver transaminases (ALT, AST) and blood biochemical parameters (ALP, total protein, Albumin, total and direct Bilirubin) were measured. Also, liver tissue was removed for histopathological examination.

The results of the study showed that body weight, liver weight and serum levels of total and direct Bilirubin in the experimental groups were not significantly different from the control group (p<0.05). Serum levels of ALT, AST and ALP in Exp1 group did not show a significant difference with the control group (p>0.05) but in contrast, in Exp2 and Exp3 groups, a significant increase was observed (p<0.05). Serum levels of total protein and Albumin in Exp1 and Exp2 groups did not show a significant difference with the control group (p<0.05) but in contrast, in Exp3 groups, there was a significant decrease (p<0.05). In all 3 Exp groups, some degrees of necrosis and destruction of liver tissue were observed, and the maximum necrosis and destruction was observed at the maximum dose.

Moclobemide causes changes in serum levels of hepatic transaminases, blood biochemical parameters and the destruction of liver tissue, especially at the maximum dose (640 mg/kg) in male rats.