Hydroxychloroquine and Zinc ameliorate interleukin-6 associated hepato-renal toxicity induced by Aspergillus fumigatus in experimental models
In Nigeria, immunocompromised persons, particularly those living with HIV, are at an increased risk of developing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. Interestingly, this condition produces symptoms that can be easily mistaken for those of COVID-19. To better understand the pathophysiology of Aspergillosis and determine the therapeutic and toxic effects of Zinc and HCQ, this study examined liver and renal functions in experimental models. This experimental study included 28 Albino rats, assigned into 7 Groups (n= 4 each); designated A to G. Group A received the standardized rat chow and distilled water only. Group B received a moderate dose of HCQ only. Group C received A. fumigatus suspension (AFS) without any treatments. Group D simultaneously received AFS and a low dose of HCQ. Group E simultaneously received AFS and a moderate dose of HCQ. Group F simultaneously received AFS and a high dose of HCQ. Group G simultaneously received AFS and a moderate dose of HCQ and Zinc. Serum levels of interleukins (IL)-6 and 10, liver enzymes, and renal parameters were measured accordingly. The lungs, liver, and kidneys were excited and weighed. Significance was set at p< 0.05. Higher levels of serum alanine transaminase, creatinine, and urea and lower relative lung weight were observed in group C compared with other groups (p< 0.001). Higher IL-6 levels and IL-6/IL-10 ratio were also observed in group C compared with other groups (p> 0.05). In conclusion, this study revealed that HCQ and Zinc ameliorate oxidative stress and damage induced by A. fumigatus.