Misuse of dexamethasone for cosmetic purposes boosts hyperthyroidism and hepatotoxicity in albino rats: Misuse of dexamethasone for cosmetic purposes boosts hyperthyroidism and hepatotoxicity in albino rats

Fatima Yousif  Ahmad; Abdelkarim Abobakr  Abdrabo; Omaima Ali Mohamed  Ahmed; Samia Mahdi  Ahmed; Ahmed  Abdulbadie; Zakaria  Eltahir; Amar Mohamed  Ismail

doi:10.47963/ihrj.v2i1.2062

Authors

Fatima Yousif Ahmad Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan
Abdelkarim Abobakr Abdrabo Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan
Omaima Ali Mohamed Ahmed Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan
Samia Mahdi Ahmed Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Ahmed Abdulbadie Department of Histopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Zakaria Eltahir Department of Histopathology and Molecular Oncology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Amar Mohamed Ismail Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Al Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47963/ihrj.v2i1.2062

Keywords:

Thyroid, hepatocyte, kidneys, dexamethasone, cosmetics

Abstract

Background: The use of dexamethasone (Dex) for cosmetic purposes, particularly for skin lighting, is widespread and is associated with a high incidence of skin cancer in several populations. This study aimed to investigate the misuse of Dex for skin whitening, particularly its influence on thyroid, liver, and kidney function in female albino rats.

Materials and methods: In the in vivo comparative experiments I and II, 36 female albino rats, each weighing 140– 162 g, were used. Thyroid function, liver enzyme activity, and renal function were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Liver and kidney sections were fixed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E).

Results: The groups administered high and low doses of Dex exhibited significant increases in thyroid hormone levels, liver enzyme activities, creatinine, and urea levels compared to the control group. In contrast, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05). Kidney sections displayed ghost glomeruli, partially necrotic tubular cells, and chronic inflammation at both doses. Liver sections showed binucleated cells, infiltration, and focal necrotic cells relative to the control.

Conclusion: The misuse of Dex for cosmetic purposes influences hyperthyroidism, hepatotoxicity, and renal impairment, with dose- and duration-dependent effects.

Misuse of dexamethasone for cosmetic purposes boosts hyperthyroidism and hepatotoxicity in albino rats