Assessment of the biomarkers of hepatotoxicity following carbamazepine, levetiracetam, and carbamazepine-levetiracetam adjunctive treatment in male Wistar rats

Assessment of the toxic effects of levetiracetam on biochemical, functional, and redox parameters of salivary glands in male Wistar rats

Levetiracetam (LEV) is an anticonvulsant for epilepsy. The toxic effects of this medication in tissues have been associated with redox state imbalance, which can lead to salivary gland dysfunction. Therefore, the current work investigated the effects of LEV on the biochemical, functional, and redox parameters of the parotid and submandibular glands in rats. For this, male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10/group): Control (0.9% saline solution), LEV100 (100 mg/kg), and LEV300 (300 mg/kg). After 21 consecutive days of intragastric gavage treatments, pilocarpine stimulated saliva secretion was collected for salivary biochemical analysis. The extracted salivary glands were utilized for histomorphometry and redox state analyses. Our results showed that LEV300 increased plasma hepatotoxicity markers and reduced salivary amylase activity and the acinar surface area of the parotid gland. Total oxidant capacity and oxidative damage to lipids and proteins were higher in the parotid gland, while total antioxidant capacity and uric acid levels were reduced in the submandibular gland of the LEV100 group compared to Control. On the other hand, total oxidant capacity, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, total antioxidant capacity, and uric acid levels were lower in both salivary glands of the LEV300 group compared to Control. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were lower in the salivary glands of treated animals compared to Control. In conclusion our data suggest that treatment with LEV represents a potentially toxic agent, that contributes to drug-induced salivary gland dysfunction.

Morphological, biochemical, and histopathological effects of levetiracetam on pregnant albino rats and their offspring

One of the most widely used medications for epilepsy is the broad-spectrum antiseizure levetiracetam. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of levetiracetam on the bodyweight and liver of pregnant rats and their offspring. The study involved treating the rats during pregnancy and lactation and then examining the pregnant rats and their offspring. Two groups of 40 pregnant rats were created (I, II). Each group was split up into two smaller groups (A, B). About 1.5 mL/day of distilled water was gavaged to the rats in group I, either continuously throughout pregnancy (IA) or continuously throughout pregnancy and 15 days after delivery (IB). Group II rats received 1.5 ml/day of distilled water (containing levetiracetam) either during pregnancy (IIA) or during pregnancy plus 15 days postpartum (IIB). At the end of the work, blood samples were taken from the adult rats, body weight of different groups were recorded, and then, their liver was subjected for histological and morphometric analysis. Levetiracetam treatment showed reduction in the body weight of adult rats and their offspring and pathological changes in their liver. These changes were in the form of distortion of the hepatic architecture, cytoplasmic vacuolation, nuclear changes, and swollen mitochondria with loss of their cristae. Such changes were proved by alteration in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzyme levels of the liver. It is advised to monitor the liver functions continuously when using levetiracetam.