Protective Effects of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. against Oxymetholone-Injured Liver and Kidney Injury in BALB/c Mice: An Integrated Biochemical, Stereological, Histopathological, and Immunohistochemical Study

Background: Anabolic steroids, like Oxymetholone (OM), can imitate testosterone and cause harm to the liver and kidneys. Objectives: In this study, the ameliorative effects of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. (V. arctostaphylos) on OM-induced liver and kidney damage were investigated using various methods. Materials and Methods: BALB/c mice (Thirty-six in 6 group/6 mice) were included as sham, OM, three OM groups treated with different doses of V. arctostaphylos fruit extract (OM+100, OM+200, and OM+400 V. arctostaphylos), and a group solely treated with 400 V. arctostaphylos. Blood samples collected on the 51^st day assessed biochemical parameters and oxidative stress factors in the liver and kidney. Stereological and histopathological analyses were conducted using isolated liver and kidney tissues, while immunohistochemistry measured apoptosis levels using p53 and Bcl-2 positive cells. Results: The results indicated that V. arctostaphylos fruit extract protected the liver and kidney from OM-induced damage and maintained their normal function. Liver enzyme levels and kidney functional parameters were close to normal, and SOD and GPx activity increased while NO levels decreased. Stereological analysis showed that V. arctostaphylos preserved the normal structure of the liver and kidney and reduced the p53 positive cells while increasing Bcl-2 cell count. Conclusion: These findings suggest that V. arctostaphylos fruit extract, rich in polyphenols and possessing antioxidant properties, can enhance protection against OM-induced hepato-renal oxidative damage.