Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Lipid Dysregulation in Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma: Comparative Effects of Salbutamol, Montelukast, Prednisolone, and Hydrocortisone in Sprague Dawley Rats

Abstract

Background: This study assessed the hepatic oxidant–antioxidant status and serum lipid profile in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma, comparing the effects of salbutamol, montelukast, prednisolone, and hydrocortisone in Sprague Dawley rats.

Methods: Forty-two (42) female Sprague–Dawley rats (150–200 g) were randomized into six groups (n = 7): negative control; OVA-asthma positive control; and OVA-asthma treated with salbutamol (2 mg/kg, oral, twice daily), montelukast (10 mg/kg, oral, daily), prednisolone (3 mg/kg, oral, daily), or hydrocortisone (5 mg/kg, i.p., daily). Asthma was induced by i.p. sensitization with OVA (1 mg) and aluminium hydroxide (20 mg) on days 1 and 7, followed by biweekly aerosol challenge with 1% OVA for 28 days. Treatments were administered for 28 days after asthma confirmation. Hepatic oxidative stress/antioxidant indices (total protein, SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx, MDA, H₂O₂, TAC) and serum lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL) were quantified.

Results: Montelukast significantly increased hepatic SOD, CAT, and GPx activities compared with the OVA-positive control (p<0.05) and significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels compared with the positive control (p<0.05). Prednisolone significantly increased total cholesterol and LDL levels compared to the negative control (p<0.05). Hydrocortisone significantly increased triglycerides and hepatic MDA, indicating heightened lipid peroxidation (p<0.05), and further reduced total protein compared with the positive control (p<0.05). Across treatment groups, hepatic TAC was significantly decreased compared to the negative control (p<0.05). At the same time, GSH was significantly reduced in all treated groups, with montelukast showing a further reduction compared to the positive control (p<0.05). Salbutamol produced no consistent improvement in oxidative or lipid indices.

Conclusion: In OVA-induced asthma, montelukast showed comparatively favorable antioxidant enzyme up-regulation and improved atherogenic lipid indices, whereas corticosteroids, particularly hydrocortisone, were associated with oxidative and/or metabolic worsening. Persistent TAC reduction across therapies suggests standard treatment may not fully normalize systemic redox imbalance.