الفهرس 
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Abstract
This study investigates the role of silica exposure by different routes and doses in developing autoimmune diseases in non-susceptible rats and the therapeutic effect of myrrh as a natural medicine compared to prednisolone. The autoimmune disease model in rats was induced by injecting 5mg crystalline sodium silicate suspension subcutaneously once weekly for 20 weeks, then the rats treated either with myrrh extract or prednisolone or with both for 6 weeks. Detection of serum anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), liver and kidney function tests, Matrix metalloproteinase activity (MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP13), oxidative stress biomarkers, genetic expression of TNF-α, and Bcl-2, histopathology and immunohistochemistry of TNF-α expression in kidney tissue were performed. All silica treated groups showed a significant increase in ANA, oxidative stress markers, TNF, MMP, and creatinine. Histopathology revealed vasculitis and fibrinoid degeneration of blood vessels in different organs and immune-mediated glomerulonephritis in silica treated groups. Furthermore TNF-α expression was significantly decreased in treated groups. Interestingly, the myrrh didn’t produce hepatic lesions and improved the side effect of prednisolone in liver when taken in combination. In conclusion, both 5 mg subcutaneously and 7 mg oral silica-induced autoimmune disease in non-susceptible rats. Myrrh extract possessed anti-inflammatory properties and counteracted the side effect of prednisolone on the liver. Myrrh extract can serve as a conjunctive therapy with prednisolone to treat autoimmune diseases.