Background: In 2011, three new direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for HCV including sofosbuvir were accredited for HCV
management.
Aim: To evaluate the impact of Sofosbuvir treatment on the histological structure of the lungs of adult male albino rat.
Materials and Methods: 15 male rats were classified into: control group of 5 rats and sofosbuvir treated group of 10 rats that
received sofosbuvir orally in a dose of 4 mg/kg per day for 5 weeks. Blood samples were drawn to assess serum Transforming
growth factor- β (TGF-β). Lung specimens were obtained for evaluation by light microscope. Alpha smooth Muscle Actin
(α-SMA), E-cadherin immunohistochemistry, and statistical analysis were applied.
Results: Marked increase in the mean value of serum TGF-β in Sofosbuvir treated group when compared to control group.
Sofosbuvir resulted in histological and immunohistochemical changes in the lungs of sofosbuvir treated rats.
Conclusion: Severe lung injury was detected after treatment with sofosbuvir. However further studies should be done to
determine the exact mechanism and more caution should be taken during administration of sofosbuvir.