Histopathological evaluation of the effects of sildenafil on organ damage in a diabetic rat model

Abstract

Aims: In this study, it was aimed to show the effects of sildenafil on heart, liver and kidney tissues histopathologically by creating an experimental diabetes model with streptozocin. Methods: Male adult Sprague dawley rat (48) was used in the study. The rats were first divided into three groups as control group, the diabetes group and the diabetes+sildenafil group. Each group was divided into two groups within itself. Streptozotocin 40 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally to the rats in the groups that would develop diabetes and diabetes+sildenafil diabetes. Rats with blood glucose levels of 250 mg/dl and above after 48 hours were considered diabetic. Sildenafil citrate 10mg/kg/day was given by gavage to the diabetes+sildenafil group. At the end of the experiment heart, liver and kidney tissues were placed in formaldehyde solution. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was applied to the sections taken. Histological changes in the stained sections were evaluated by a histologist. Histological evaluation was performed semi-quantitatively in heart, liver and kidney tissue. In the assessment, the findings of the tissues were scored and statistical analysis was performed. Results: Histological findings of heart, liver and kidney tissues were examined. It was determined that less organ damage was seen in the diabetes+sildenafil group compared to the Diabetes group. Conclusion: In our study, it has been demonstrated histologically that sildenafil can be a drug that has an antioxidant effect in tissue by helping to protect cell structure and architecture against heart, liver and kidney tissue damage caused by diabetes. It should not be overlooked that it is important to determine the appropriate dose and frequency of use of sildenafil in revealing these effects.