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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

Research Abstract
Introduction: 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 Metronidazole.
Material and Methods: Randomly selected 40 adult male albino rats were subdivided into four groups: control, Metronidazole
group received 500mg/kg body weight once a day for four weeks by oral administration, Metronidazole + Resveratrol group
received Resveratrol first orally using 20mg/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.


 

Research Authors
Martha Emil Adly, Randa Samir Hanna, Ashraf E. Bastwrous
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Egyptian Journal of Histology
Research Year
2025