Hepatoprotective effect of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz flowers on diclofenac sodium induced liver toxicity in rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the protective effect of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz flowers against experimentally induced liver toxicity in rats.MethodsTwo different doses of methanol extract of Woodfordia fruticosa (WFM) were evaluated for the hepatoprotective activity against diclofenac sodium induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Various biochemical parameters like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) from serum; total protein (TP), glutathione (GSH) levels, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities from liver were studied; histopathologic changes of liver were also evaluated.ResultsWFM effectively reduced the elevated levels of serum ALT, AST, ALP and BUN, enhanced the reduced TP, ALB and hepatic GSH, CAT, GPx activity. The histopathological analysis suggested that WFM decreased the degree of liver fibrosis induced by diclofenac.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the hepatoprotective activity of WFM and thus scientifically support the use of this plant in traditional medicine for the treatment of liver disorders.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of pentagamavunon-0 against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of pentagamavunon-0(PGV-0) against CCl₄-induced hepatic injury in rats.MethodsThe groups of animals were administered with PGV-0 at the doses 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kgb.w., p.o. once in a day for 6 days and at day 7 the animals were administrated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl) (20%, 2 mL/kgb.w. in liquid paraffin (i.p.). The effect of PGV-0 on serum transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphates (ALP) and total bilirubin were determined in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Further, the effects of PGV-0 on glutathione (GSH) content, catalase (CAT) and NO free radical scavenging activity also were investigated.ResultsThe results demonstrated that PGV-0 significantly reduced the activity of SGPT, serum ALP and total bilirubin in CCl₄induced rat hepatotoxicity. PGV-0 has effect on the antioxidant and free radical defense system. It prevented the depletion level of GSH and decrease activity of CAT in CCl₄-induced liver injury in rats. PGV-0 also demonstrated the free radical scavenger effects on NO free radical scavenging activity with ES value of 32.32μM.ConculsionAll of our findings suggests that PGV-0 could protect the liver cells from CCl₄-induced liver damages and the mechanism may through the antioxidative effect of PGV-0 to prevent the accumulation of free radicals and protect the liver damage.     

Protective effect of Mollugo nudicaulis Lam. on acute liver injury induced by perchloroethylene in experimental rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the protective effect of ethanol extract of Mollugo nudicaulis (M. nudicaulis) against perchloroethylene-induced hepatotoxicity.MethodsThe hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol extract of M. nudicaulis (200 mg/kg body wt) was studied in percholoroethylene (1 000 mg/kg body wt) induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. The serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin and the liver content of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GSH, vitamin C were assessed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the extract. The activity of the extract was compared with silymarin, a standard reference drug. In addition, serum urea, uric acid and creatinine levels were measured to evaluate the kidney function. The histopathological examination of the liver tissues was observed to support the biochemical parameters.ResultsThe results revealed that the extract significantly (P<0.05) restored the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin and significantly (P<0.05) increased the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GSH, vitamin C in perchloroethylene-induced rats to its normalcy. The biochemical observations were supported by the histopathological studies of the liver tissues.ConclusionsThe results led to the conclusion that M. nudicaulis possess hepatoprotective and antioxidant activites against perchloroethylene-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of flowers of Nerium oleander against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of methanolic flower extract of Nerium oleander against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.MethodsIn vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of flowers of Nerium oleander (MENO–F) was evaluated by various assays, including reducing power, lipid peroxidation, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals and metal chelation. The hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant activity of MENO-F were evaluated against CCl₄–induced hepatic damage in rats. The MENO-F at dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were administered orally once daily for seven days. Serum enzymatic levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin were estimated along with estimation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver tissues. Further histopathological examination of the liver sections was carried out to support the induction of hepatotoxicity and hepatoprotective efficacy.ResultsThe extract showed potent activities on reducing power, lipid peroxide, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and metal chelation. The substantially elevated serum enzymatic levels of AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin were found to be restored towards normalization significantly by the MENO-F in a dose dependent manner with maximum hepatoprotection at 400 mg/kg dose level. The histopathological observations supported the biochemical evidences of hepatoprotection. Elevated level of SOD and decreased level of MDA further strengthen the hepatoprotective observations.ConclusionsThe results of the present study strongly reveal that MENO-F has potent antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective activity against CCl₄-induced hepatic damage in experimental animals.     

Hepatoprotective effect of manual acupuncture at acupoint GB34 against CCl4-induced chronic liver damage in rats

AIM: To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of manual acupuncture at Yanglingquan (GB34) on CCl4-induced chronic liver damage in rats. METHODS: Rats were injected intraperitoneally with CC4l (1 mL/kg) and treated with manual acupuncture using reinforcing manipulation techniques at left GB34 (Yanglingquan) 3 times a week for 10 wk. A non-acupoint in left gluteal area was selected as a sham point. To estimate the hepatoprotective effect of manual acupuncture at GB34, measurement of liver index, biochemical assays including serum ALT, AST, ALP and total cholesterol, histological analysis and blood cell counts were conducted. RESULTS: Manual acupuncture at GB34 reduced the liver index, serum ALT, AST, ALP and total cholesterol levels as compared with the control group and the sham acupuncture group. It also increased and normalized the populations of WBC and lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: Manual acupuncture with reinforcing manipulation techniques at left GB34 reduces liver toxicity, protects liver function and liver tissue, and normalizes immune activity in CCl4-intoxicated rats.     

丹酚酸A抗过氧化鼠肝损伤的作用

目的观察丹酚酸Ａ（ＳＡＡ）抗过氧化肝损伤的作用．方法采用ＣＣｌ４诱导大鼠肝损伤模型,观察ＳＡＡ对肝脏病理、血清Ａｌｂ含量与ＡＬＴ,ＡＳＴ活性,肝组织ＭＤＡ含量的影响．另以ＣＣｌ４熏蒸诱导肝细胞损伤,观察ＳＡＡ对ＡＬＴ,ＡＳＴ,ＧＳＨＰＸ的活性以及对ＭＤＡ,ＧＳＨ含量的变化．结果ＳＡＡ能减轻模型鼠肝脏病理变化,降低ＡＬＴ,ＡＳＴ活性与ＭＤＡ含量;降低损伤肝细胞ＡＬＴ,ＡＳＴ,ＳＯＤ,ＧＳＨＰＸ活性与ＭＤＡ含量,增高ＧＳＨ含量．结论ＳＡＡ具有良好的抗过氧化肝损伤作用．     

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba phytosomes in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rodents.

AIM: The protective effects of Ginkgo biloba phytosomes (GBP) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity and the probable mechanism(s) involved in this protection were investigated in rats. METHODS: Liver damage was induced in Wistar rats by administering a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of CCl4 and olive oil (1 ml/kg, i.p.) once daily for 7 days. GBP at 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, i.p. and reference drug silymarin (200 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered for 10 days to CCl4-treated rats, this treatment beginning 3 days prior to the commencement of CCl4 administration. The degree of protection was evaluated by determining the marker enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and SALP), albumin (Alb) and total proteins (TP). Further, the effects of GBP on lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR) were estimated in liver homogenates to evaluate antioxidant activity. RESULTS: GBP (25 and 50 mg/kg) and silymarin elicited significant hepatoprotective activity by decreasing the activities of serum marker enzymes and lipid peroxidation and elevated the levels of GSH, SOD, CAT, GPX, GR, Alb and TP in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The present findings indicate that the hepatoprotective effects of GBP against CCl4-induced oxidative damage may be due to its antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activity.     

Hepatoprotective effect of Leucophyllum frutescens on Wistar albino rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride

Many hepatoprotective herbal preparations have been recommended in alternative systems of medicine for the treatment of hepatic disorders. No systematic study has been done on protective efficacy of Leucophyllum frutescens to treat hepatic diseases. Protective action of L. frutescens methanol extract (obtained by maceration) was evaluated in an animal model of hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)). Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups. Group I was normal control group; Groups II-V received CCl(4). After inducing hepatic damage, Group II served as control CCl(4); Group III was given silymarin as reference hepatoprotective; and Groups IV and V received different doses of plant extract. Liver marker enzymes were assayed in serum. Samples of livers were observed under microscope for the histopathological changes. Levels of marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were increased significantly in CCl(4) treated rats (Group II). Groups IV and V intoxicated with CCl(4) and treated with L. frutescens methanol extract significant decreased the activities of these two enzymes. Also these groups resulted in less pronounced destruction of the liver architecture, there is not fibrosis and have moderate inflammation compared with Group II. The present study scientifically validated the traditional use of L. frutescens for liver disorders. In conclusion the methanol extract of L. frutescens aerial parts could be an important source of hepatoprotective compounds.     

补肾养肝合剂对四氯化碳诱导大鼠急性肝损伤的防护作用

目的：探讨补肾养肝合剂萃取物对四氯化碳（CCl4）诱导大鼠急性肝损伤之影响。方法：用CCl4诱导急性肝损伤模型，造模前口服补肾养肝合剂萃取物（100，500mg／kg），适时检测血清中ALT、AST活性。结果：补肾养肝合剂可有效降低CCl4诱发之ALT、AST活性；提升肝脏中抗氧化酵素（酶）SOD、GPx、GR活性。结论：结果显示补肾养肝合剂萃取物对CCl4诱导急性肝损伤具有防护作用，其防护CCl4诱导急性肝损伤之机转与提升肝脏内抗氧化酵素（酶）GR、GPx与SOD活性有关。     

Mechanism of protective action of bicyclol against CCl-induced liver injury in mice.

Bicyclol is a novel synthetic drug for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis in China. This paper reports the protective action of bicyclol against experimental liver injury in mice and its mechanism of action. Oral administration of bicyclol markedly reduced the elevated serum transaminases (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)) and the hepatic morphologic changes induced by CCl(4) in mice. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that bicyclol significantly inhibited CCl(4)-induced lipid peroxidation of liver microsomes and (14)CCl(4) covalent binding to microsomal lipids and proteins in vitro, and decreased the level of the trichloromethyl free radical (*CCl(3)) generated from CCl(4) metabolism by NADPH-reduced liver microsomes. On the other hand, bicyclol neither directly inhibited the activity of ALT or AST in vitro nor affected hepatic ALT protein content in mice. These results suggest that bicyclol has remarkable hepatoprotective effects and its mechanism of action may be related to a decrease in free radical-induced damage to hepatocytes.     

Hepatoprotective effect of Solanum xanthocarpum fruit extract against CCl4 induced acute liver toxicity in experimental animals

ObjectiveTo investigate the hepatoprotective potential of Solanum xanthocarpum (Solanaceae) (S. xanthocarpum) in experimental rats to validate its traditional claim.Methods50% ethanolic fruit extract of S. xanthocarpum (SXE, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered daily for 14 days in experimental animals. Liver injury was induced chemically, by CCl₄ administration (1 mL/kg i. p.). The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Serum alkaline phosphatise (SALP) and total bilirubin. Meanwhile, in vivo antioxidant activities as lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were screened along with histopathological studies.ResultsObtained results demonstrated that the treatment with SXE significantly (P<0.05-<0.001) and dose-dependently prevented chemically induced increase in serum levels of hepatic enzymes. Furthermore, SXE significantly (up to P<0.001) reduced the lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue and restored activities of defence antioxidant enzymes GSH, SOD and catalase towards normal levels. Histopathology of the liver tissue showed that SXE attenuated the hepatocellular necrosis and led to reduction of inflammatory cells inflltration.ConclusionsThe results of this study strongly indicate the protective effect of SXE against acute liver injury which may be attributed to its hepatoprotective activity, and there by scientifically support its traditional use.     

蓝莓预防大鼠肝损伤实验研究

目的探讨蓝莓对四氯化碳（CCl4）所致大鼠急性肝损伤的预防保护作用。方法SD大鼠随机分为蓝莓汁低、高两个剂量预防组、齐墩果酸阳性药对照组、正常对照组及模型组,采用CCl4致大鼠急性肝损伤模型。测定大鼠血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶（AST）以及肝组织匀浆超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、还原型谷胱甘肽（GSH）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）及丙二醛（MDA）,光镜下观察肝脏病理变化。结果蓝莓各剂量组及阳性对照组血清ALT及AST均明显低于模型组（P〈0．01）。与模型组比较,齐墩果酸组、蓝莓汁高剂量组肝匀浆GSH、SOD、CAT明显升高,MDA明显降低（P〈0．01或P〈0．05）;蓝莓汁低剂量组肝匀浆GSH升高不明显,肝匀浆SOD、CAT升高,MDA降低（P〈0．05）。结论蓝莓对CCl4所致大鼠急性肝损伤具有良好的预防保护作用,其机制可能与抗脂质过氧化作用有关。     

Hepatoprotective activity of Terminalia paniculata against paracetamol induced hepatocellular damage in Wistar albino rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Terminalia paniculata against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rats.MethodsThe plant material was shade dried, powdered and extracted with ethanol. Liv 52 and silymarin were used as standard drugs and 2% gum acacia as a control (vehicle). Alteration in the levels of biochemical markers of hepatic damage like AST, ALT, ALP and lipid peroxides were tested, and phytochemical tests were also performed.ResultsParacetamol (2 g/kg) increased the serum levels of alanine aminotransfer (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the lipid peroxides. Treatment of Liv 52, silymarin and ethanolic extract of Terminalia paniculata (200 mg/kg) altered levels of biochemical marker and showed significant hepatoprotective activity. Ethanolic extract revealed the presence of phenolic compound and flavanoids. Our findings suggested that ethanolic bark extract of Terminalia paniculata possessed hepatoprotective activity in a dose dependent manner.ConclusionsTerminalia paniculata possesses hepatoprotective activity. It could be an effective and promising preventive agent against PCT induced hepatotoxicity.     

Hepatoprotective effect of stem of Musa sapientum Linn in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride

Methods. The study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of central stem of Musa sapientum (AqMS) against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Animals were divided into six groups. Group I served as normal control. Group II, III, IV, V &; VI were administered CCl₄ mixed with olive oil 1:1 (1.5 mL/kg) I.P., twice a week for 5 weeks. Group II was maintained as CCl₄ intoxicated control. Group III, IV and V received AqMS at a dose of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg. Group VI received silymarin 100 mg/kg for 5 weeks orally once daily. Marker enzymes of hepatic functions estimated in serum were AST, ALT and ALP. Antioxidant parameters estimated were MDA and GSH in blood and liver and SOD in blood, after fifth week, animals were sacrificed, livers dissected out and evaluated for histomorphological changes.Results. There was significant rise in AST, ALT and ALP in CCl₄ intoxicated control group II. Treatment with AqMS prevented rise in levels of these enzymes. There was significant rise in MDA and fall in GSH in blood and liver in group II, indicating increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress upon CCl₄ ad-ministration. Treatment with AqMS prevented rise in MDA &; increased GSH in treated group. SOD levels were decreased in group II while groups treated with AqMS showed significant rise (p < 0.05). Maximum hepatoprotective effect was observed with 50 mg/kg dose. Hepatoprotective effect observed with this dose was comparable to standard hepatoprotective drug silymarin. The results of pathological study also support the results of biochemical findings.Conclusion. the results of the present study indicate that stem of Musa sapientum possess hepatoprotective effect and probably it is due to it’s antioxidant property.     

Role of ursodeoxycholic acid in prevention of hepatotoxicity caused by amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in rats

Incidence of hepatotoxicity caused by the broad spectrum antibiotic combination amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Co-amoxyclav) has been increasingly recognized and the mechanism of this toxicity remains undefined. On the other hand, Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been suggested as efficient antioxidant therapy in various liver diseases. Therefore, the present study was designed to elucidate the possible role of oxidative stress in hepatotoxicity induced by Co-amoxyclav and the putative protective role of UDCA in rats. Effects of amoxicillin (Amox; 50 mg/kg, orally, 21 d) or clavulanic acid (Clav; 10 mg/kg, orally, 21 d) and their combined administration on the biochemical liver parameters, reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation measured as hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In addition, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in liver homogenate were also evaluated. On the other hand, the protective effects of pretreatment with UDCA (20 mg/kg, orally, 21 d) on these parameters were also evaluated. Our results show that pretreatment with UDCA reduced the liver parameters that were enhanced by single or combined administration of Amox and/or Clav such as serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum bilirubin levels. Moreover, pretreatment with UDCA normalized the GSH level and inhibited the elevation in hepatic MDA concentration. The enhanced MPO activity and ROS production in liver homogenate of rats treated with Clav or Co-amoxyclav were also normalized by UDCA pretreatment. In conclusion, the present data suggest that UDCA acts as effective hepatoprotective agent against liver dysfunction caused by Co-amoxyclav and this effect is related to its antioxidant properties.     

Restorative effect of Eclipta alba in CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats

ObjectiveTo elucidate the restorative effect of the aqueous leaf extract (85%) of the traditional medicinal plant Eclipta alba (E. alba) against CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats.MethodsRestorative activity was assessed using CCl₄-induced hepatic injury in rats by monitoring biochemical parameters. Biochemical markers of hepatic damage such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed in serum. The oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the levels of thiobarbutric acid reactive substance (TBARS), hydroperoxides, activity levels of enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) in hepatic tissue.ResultsCCl₄ and olive oil mixture (1:1 dosage of 1 mL/kg b.w.) induced oxidative stress was indicated by elevated levels of TBARS and hydroperoxides, and augmented levels of serum AST, ALT and ALP. The depleted activity levels of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GPX and GST were found in CCl₄ induced animals. The aqueous leaf extract of E. alba (250 mg/kg b.w.) ameliorated the effects of CCl₄ and returned the alter levels of the biochemical markers near to the normal levels.ConclusionsThe study indicates that aqueous leaf extract of E. alba has potential restorative effect on CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats.     

The protection of Thymus vulgaris leaves alcoholic extract against hepatotoxicity of alcohol in rats

Objective:This study was performed to investigate the protective effect of Thymus vulgaris(T.vulgaris) leaves 70%alcoholic extract against alcohol-mediate hepatotoxicity rats.Methods:The protective effect of extract was investigated at dose of 500 mg/kg/day orally against alcohol-mediate hepatotoxicity using adult male Wister albino rats during 21 days.Protective effect of T.vulgaris extract was evaluated comparing with silymarin standard drug al recommended dose(25 mg/kg/day) orally for 21 days.Results:Alcohol-mediate hepatotoxicity rats(alcohol-control) showed hepatocytes distortion represented as marked increment on liver biomarkers;alkaline phosphatase(ALP),aspartate transaminase(AST) and alanine transaminase(ALT) activities,as well as pronounced reduction on total protein and its fractions albumin and globulin corresponding to normal ranges.Addition to oxidative stress status as depletion on glutathione concentration,catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione reductase(GR),glutathione-S-transferase(GST) and glutathione peroxidase(GPx)activities,concurrence with augmentation oxidative stress parameters;malondyaldchydc(MDA) and hydrogen peroxide(H_2O_2) concentrations comparing to normal values.Alcohol administration elevated total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) comparing to normal ranges.Co-administration T.vulgaris extract with alcohol showed protective effect on hepatocytes manifested as minimizing on ALP.AST and ALT activities and increment on total protein,albumin and globulin production compared to alcohol-control.Antioxidant enzymes activities;CAT.SOD.GR,GST and GPx were significantly magnified,while MDA and H_2O_2 concentration were lessened corresponding to alcohol-control.Also,lipid profile was markedly improved and risk ratio was lowered compared to alcohol-control.These results were confirmed by normalization of degenerated and fibrotic liver tissue as of alcohol-control.Conclusion:T.vulgaris extract appeared hepatoprotective,hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities on alcohol-mediate hepatotoxicity rats compared to silymarin.     

Effects of salviainolic acid A (SA-A) on liver injury: SA-A action on hepatic peroxidation

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the actions of salviainolic acid A (SA-A), an antiperoxidative component of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Sm), on rat liver injury and fibrosis. METHODS: Acute and chronic rat liver injury models were established using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). After 48 h (acute) or during 6 weeks of CCl4 injection, rats were further divided and treated with biphenyl dimethyl-dicarboxylate (BDD) or colchicine, as a control antifibrotic treatment, with Sm, a herbal compound, or SA-A, a water-soluble extract of Sm. Liver function was investigated by assessing alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities, histological analysis, hydroxyproline (Hyp) and malondiadehyde (MDA) content. In vitro, isolated cultured hepatocytes were injured with CCl4 gas for 24 h, followed by treatment with either vitamin E or various concentrations of SA-A. The extent of hepatocyte injury was monitored by analyzing various lipid peroxidative parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), lactase dehydrogenase (LDH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels in hepatocyte supernatants. RESULTS: SA-A significantly decreased abnormal serum ALT activity both in acutely and chronically injured rat livers, decreased abnormal serum AST activity, Hyp and MDA content and attenuated hepatic collagen deposition. After CCl4 incubation and injury, the activities of AST, ALT CAT, GSH-PX and LDH and MDA content in hepatocyte supernatants increased significantly, but GSH levels decreased significantly. SA-A markedly improved these pathological changes in a dose-dependent manner. 10(-4) mol/l SA-A had stronger inhibitory action than vitamin E. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies suggest that SA-A has antiperoxidative effects on injured hepatocytes in liver injury and fibrosis induced by CCl4.     

Protective effects of chitosan oligosaccharide and its derivatives against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in mice.

The protective effects of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), d-glucosamine (GlcNH(2)) and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatotoxicity and the possible mechanisms that involved were investigated in male ICR mice. CCl(4) (20mg/kg body weight, i.p.) administration induced marked increase in serum AST and ALT activities, primed liver lipid peroxidation, depleted sulfhydryl content, impaired total antioxidant capabilities and induced genotoxicity 24h after administration. Pretreatment with COS, GlcNH(2), and GlcNAc (1.5g/kg body weight, i.g.) for 12 consecutive days prior to CCl(4) challenge significantly induced metallothionein (MT) expression. Thus, the antioxidant defensive system in the body was strengthened to counteract the oxidative damage induced by the succedent CCl(4) administration. Serum AST and ALT activities were effectively decreased. Hepatic malondialdehyde formation was inhibited and sulfhydryl contents, total antioxidant capabilities were markedly restored. Genotoxicity as reflected by DNA fragmentation, however, was not mitigated by pretreatment with COS, GlcNH(2), and GlcNAc. Histophathologic results of liver also confirmed their hepato-protective effects. Pretreatment with COS, GlcNH(2), and GlcNAc also could significantly decrease serum creatinine and uric acid levels and inhibit lipid peroxidation in kidney homogenate. Our results suggest that pretreatment with COS, GlcNH(2), and GlcNAc can efficiently protect mice against CCl(4)-induced toxicity.     

Modulatory Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Aegle marmelos Fruits against Cisplatin - Induced Hepatotoxicity In Wistar Rats

Introduction and alm. Aegle marmelos is an important traditional herbal medicine used in India. The dietary inclusion of the plant has never exposed earlier for its hepatoprotective activity. This study aimed to investigate the modulator efficacy of dietary inclusion of Aegle marmelos against Cisplatin - induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats.Material and methods. Animals were divided into five different groups; Group I was given basal diets only, Group II was fed basal diets with Aegle marmelos in 4% concentration, while Group III was fed basal diets co-administered with Cisplatin. Group IV and V were administered diets containing 2% and 4% Aegle marmelos respectively, for 27 days prior to Cisplatin administration. Cisplatin was administered to the rats for 3 days leads to a reduction in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes like lipid peroxidation (LPO) and endogenous antioxidant systems such as reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and catalase in liver homogenate caused to produce the impairment of hepatic functions.Results. The administration of fruit part of Aegle marmelos to Wistar rats showed a significant fall in the elevated Lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and catalase concentration, moreover, it diminished the increased serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and bilirubin.Conclusions. We can conclude that the hepatoprotective activity of Aegle marmeloswas due to its antioxidant effect as evidenced by increasing activity of antioxidant enzymes with enhanced hepatic function and significantly changed the physiological parameters.