Abstract
Background:
In therapeutic scenarios, the antiinflammatory medication dexamethasone is frequently administered. However, the consequences of prolonged use and dose residue may result in dexamethasone toxicity. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid antioxidant that may lessen the harmful effects of dexamethasone.

Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of astaxanthin in a dexamethasone toxicity model in the kidney of albino rats based on hematological profiles and IL-6 and TNF-α expression.

Methods:
The study involved the random assignment of 25 albino rats into five treatment groups with five replications: (C-) placebo, (C+) intramuscular injection of 0.75 mg/kg BW of dexamethasone, and (T1, T2, and T3) intramuscular injection of 0.75 mg/kg BW of dexamethasone and oral administration of 2, 6, and 12 mg/kg BW of astaxanthin, respectively. All experimental animals were administered therapy for 10 days. Hematological profiles were evaluated using a blood analyzer, whereas IL-6 and TNF-α expression was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining.

Results:
Based on leukocyte, erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit characteristics, groups T2 and T3 were generally found to be significantly different (p < 0.05) from group C+ regarding the reduction of the effects of dexamethasone. In the meantime, group T3 showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in TNF-α and IL-6 expression compared with group C+.

Conclusion:
The administration of 12 mg/kg BW of astaxanthin may be an antidote to dexamethasone toxicity in albino rats, according to the overall assessment of the hematological profile, IL-6, and TNF-α cytokines in the kidney.

Key words: Astaxanthin, Dexamethasone toxicity, Drug safety, Hematology, Interleukin-6, Tumor necrosis factor-α