ATTENUATION OF PIPERINE ON ERTAPENEM INDUCED NEUROTOXICITY IN WISTAR RATS
Abstract
Ertapenem is a broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic of the carbapenem class, which is widely used in treating community-acquired infections. Despite its effectiveness, recent clinical reports have highlighted an increase in its neurotoxic side effects. Piperine, a bioactive natural alkaloid from the Piper species has been known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.This project was undertaken to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effect of piperine against Ertapenem-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Twenty-eight male albino rats weighing 150–230g were randomly assigned to four groups: Group A served as the control group which received only feed and water; Group B received Ertapenem (16.7 mg/kg b.w.) intraperitoneally; Group C received Piperine (10 mg/kg b.w.) orally; and Group D received a combination of Ertapenem (16.7 mg/kg b.w.) and piperine (10 mg/kg b.w.) All treatment lasted for seven (7) days. Ertapenem treatment resulted in significant reductions in brain antioxidant indices: Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), and Ascorbic Acid, with corresponding significant increases in biomarkers of lipid peroxidation and inflammation: Malondialdehyde (MDA), Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Nitric Oxide (NO) compared to the control group. Co-treatment of piperine with Ertapenem attenuated these alterations relative to the Ertapenem group. These findings indicated that piperine exhibits neuroprotective properties and could be a promising agent in reducing Ertapenem-induced neurotoxicity.
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