Effects of Iraqi Propolis, Carbimazole and Levothyroxine on the Liver: Histopathological Studyin Normal Female Rats

Abstract

Background: Liver has an essential role in the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Disorders of thyroid
hormones level causes’ abnormal liver function, so the liver function and thyroid hormones level affects
each other. This study aim to investigate the effect of propolis (PR),carbimazole(CB), levothyroxine (TR)
and their PR combinations on the liver biochemical and histopathological parameters in normal adult rats.
Methods: Forty-two adult female albino rats randomized into six groups: control, PR, CB, TR, PR + CB
and PR +TR. Rats orally treated by gavage for six weeks.Liver biochemical and histopathological analyses
performed.
Conclusion: TR in a dose of 0.1 µg/g daily for six weeks produced a significant elevation (p <0.001) in
serum AST and ALT enzymes level compared to control in normal rats. CB dose of 0.01 mg/g displayed a
significant increase in serum AST (p <0.005) and ALT (p <0.05) enzymes level compared to control. PR dose
of 50 mg/kg produced a non - significant difference in liver enzymes level compared to control. Moreover,
the rats treated with PR+TR or PR +CB combinations show a significant decrease in serum AST and ALT
enzymes level compared to TR or CB alone groups. These results confirmed with a histopathological results
to indicate a hepatoprotective effect of propolis.