Nimesulide effects on the blood pro-oxidant–antioxidant status in lipopolysaccharide-challenged mice

The maintenance of the pro-oxidant–antioxidant equilibrium between ROS production and antioxidant protection systems is an important element of systemic defence and requires efficient control. The aim of the study was to monitor the dynamics of antioxidants and lipid peroxidation in mice challenged intraperitoneally with Escherichia coli (O111:B4) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug nimesulide. Albino mice were divided into three groups (n = 36). Group I received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection with 25 μg/0.5 mL LPS. Thirty minutes before LPS, group II received orally (p.o.) 100 mg/kg nimesulide. The preparation was administered for 4 days. Group III received only nimesulide at the indicated dose for 4 days. The blood parameters were analysed at hour 0 (prior to treatment applied to each group), post treatment hours 6 and 24, and days 3, 5 and 9. Assayed parameters included catalase, reduced glutathione, albumin, glucose, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), malondialdehyde and oxidative stress index. LPS induced continuous hypoglycaemia, decreased catalase activity and reduced glutathione, but FRAP and albumin were preserved. The application of nimesulide alone did not alter oxidative stress index and enhanced FRAP. Its co-administration with LPS normalised reduced glutathione, decreased catalase and increased malondialdehyde concentrations and oxidative stress index. The application of nimesulide as antioxidant requires objective evaluation of associated benefits and risks.