Effect of Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) on the fundic mucosa of adult male albino rats and the possible protective role of Fucoidan: Histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical study

Background: Sofosbuvir (SOF) is a hopeful remedy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection. However, it records some unfavorable influences on gastrointestinal tract. Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide having cytoprotective effect besides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.Aim: This work has been focused on the possible effect of sofosbuvir on the fundic mucosa and to assess the probable role of protection of fucoidan.Materials and methods: we divided 40 adult male albino rats equally into four groups and were received drugs as a single daily dose for five weeks. Control group (I): were received distilled water and normal saline. Fucoidan group (II): were received 80 mg/kg. Sofosbuvir group (III): were received 4 mg/kg. Group IV: were received Fucoidan and Sofosbuvir with the same doses as pervious groups. All rats were sacrificed one day following the last dose. Stomach specimens were obtained and prepared for light and electron microscopic examination.Results: Sofosbuvir-treated rats showed dilated fundic pits and cystic dilatation of fundic glands with flattening of their epithelial lining. Vacuolation of cytoplasm and shrunken pyknotic nuclei were detected in parietal cells. Dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and loss of secretory granules were detected in the chief cells. Infiltration of inflammatory cells with congested blood vessels and extravasated RBCs were detected in lamina propria. Statistically, there was a highly significant rise in the area% of collagen fibers while area% of Periodic Acid Schieff -Alcian Blue stain (PAS–AB) reaction showed a highly significant reduction comparing with the control. The immunohistochemical results revealed marked increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expressions. The administration of Fucoidan with Sofosbuvir minimized these changes.Conclusion: Sofosbuvir has been proved to induce histological changes in the fundic mucosa and these changes can be attenuated by Fucoidan when given in concomitant with it.