Hepato-Renal and Hematological Effects of Diclofenac Sodium in Rats

The present study was carried out to evaluate the adverse effects of a daily single injection of diclofenac sodium at different doses on some hematological, biochemical parameters and oxidative stress. Histological changes in liver and kidney induced by diclofenac sodium were also investigated in male albino rats. Forty five rats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups, the first group was given saline intramuscullary and kept as a control.The second group recieved diclofenac sodium at a dose of 6.75 mg / kg b.wt. i. m. once/day. The third group was given diclofenac sodium at a dose of 13.5 mg / kg b.wt. i. m. once/day. Diclofenac sodium and saline were administered for two consecutive weeks. The obtained results showed that, diclofenac sodium at dose of 13.5 mg / kg b.wt. induced a significant decrease in Hb, PCV, RBCs and WBCs values. Moreover there were a significant decrease in serum total protein and albumin levels and significant increase in aminotranseferases, alkaline phosphatase, urea and creatinine levels. In addition there were a significant reduction in reduced glutathione(GSH) levels and significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content in liver and kidney homogenates. Histopathological alterations were found in livers and kidneys. However, diclofenac sodium at dose of 6.75 mg / kg b.wt. induced non signaficant changes in the previous parameters. It could be concluded that administration of diclofenac sodium at high dose induced some adverse effects on hematological, biochemical, oxidative parameters as well as histology of liver and kidney. That could be attributed to oxidative stress induced by the drug. However, these effects were reversible.