Carbontetrachloride induced acute liver damage and protective effect of n-acetylcysteine on rats with regenerated and non-regenerated liver

Abstract

Objective: Our aim was to investigate 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) groups, compare with not subjected to PH groups after exposure to hepatotoxic agents for alterations in the protective effects of antioxidant agents and sensitivity of the liver. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the toxicity of a hepatotoxic agent, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and protective effects of an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), in experimental animal model.

Methods: 67 male Wistar Albino rats were divided into 2 main groups to total 9 subgroups: group 1, underwent PH; group 2, not subjected to PH. 0.5 ml/kg CCl4 and 50 mg/kg NAC was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) to the groups. On postoperative day 9, 70% PH was performed according to the method of Higgins and Anderson. Finally, all rats were humanely killed.

Results: Catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly lower in both groups when CCl4 was administered. NAC treatment was found to significantly increase these parameters (P<0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) levels were significantly greater in both groups when CCl4 was administered (P<0.05). NAC treatment was found to significantly reduce these parameters.

Conclusion: These results indicated that CCl4 increased oxidation products, reduced liver enzymatic activity and reduced proliferation activity in both hepatectomised and nonhepatectomised liver. The liver injury of CCl4 and the protective effect of NAC was similarly in both main groups. Consequently, making PH may not create a negative effect and an additional health problems in liver. Thus, these results can positively affect the decisions of the healthy liver donors.