Piroxicam (PM) is an oxicam-NSAID commonly recommended for various pain and associated inflammatory
disorders. However, it is reported to have a gastric and hepato-renal toxic effect. Therefore, the current research
was planned to investigate the possible mechanisms behind the mitigating action of the coenzyme (CoQ10), a
natural, free radical scavenger, against PM tissue injury. Rats were assigned to five equal groups; Control, CoQ10
(10 mg/kg, orally), PM (7 mg/kg, i.p.), CoQ + PM L, and CoQ + PM H group. After 28 days, PM provoked severe
gastric ulceration and marked liver and kidney damage indicated by an elevated gastric ulcer index and
considerable alteration in liver and kidney biochemical tests. The toxic effects might be attributed to mitochondrial
dysfunction and excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as indicated by enhanced
malondialdehyde (MDA) levels along with decreased reduced-glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase (CAT) activity.
Apoptotic cell death also was demonstrated by increased regulation of activated caspase-3 in the stomach,
liver, and kidney tissues. Interestingly, external supplementation of CoQ10 attenuated the PM-inflicted deleterious
oxidative harm and apoptosis. This ameliorative action was ascribed to the free radical scavenging activity
of CoQ10. |
