Hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of colchicine prolonged use in the rats

Colchicine is used as a treatment for gout, arthritis, and familial Mediterranean fever. It has a narrow therapeutic index and its overdose is associated with a high mortality rate. Assessment of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of colchicine prolonged use was evaluated by studying biochemical and histopathological abnormalities. Sixty adult albino rats were divided into three equal groups (each = 20). First group (control) received distilled water daily; while second and third group received 2 and 3 mg / kg/day of colchicine dissolved in distilled water, respectively, by intraperitoneal route for three months. Results: Prolonged use of colchicine induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity was manifested by the statistically significant increase of liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALP and histopathological changes in the form of hepatocytes necrosis, dilatation of central vein, and degeneration in the form of pyknosis of hepatocytes nuclei, fibrosis and cytoplasmic vacuolation. Neprotoxicity was manifested by the statistically significant increase of serum urea, creatinine; degenerative changes of renal tubules and hypertrophy of glomeruli. Conclusions: Prolonged use of colchicine induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity depending on its dose.