Prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats by omega-3 fatty acids

Abstract

Introduction: An attempt was made to examine the protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids against liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Materials and methods: Twenty-one male Wistar rats were divided in three groups. Group I was chosen as control, Group II subcutaneously injected every other day with CCl4 for 1 month, whereas rats in Group III were received daily.-3 fatty acids via intragastric gavage while exposed to CCl4 for 1 month. Finally, all animals were killed by decapitation and blood samples were taken. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and conjugated bilirubin levels were measured. Additionally, hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were determined. For histopathological evaluation, the liver samples from experimental and control groups were processed for light microscopy. Results: All serum biochemical parameters and the hepatic MDA content were significantly higher in animals treated with CCl4 than in the controls, while SOD and GSH-Px values were significantly decreased in these animals. Moreover, administration of CCl4 alone caused histopathologically prominent damage in the liver compared to the control group. Daily.-3 fatty acids treatment significantly reduced serum biochemical parameters and hepatic MDA levels. These fatty acids also reduced serum SOD and GSH-Px activities in rats received CCl4 plus.-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, the histopathological changes induced by CCl4 were attenuated with administration of.-3 fatty acids. Conclusion: These findings suggested that.-3 fatty acids are involved in protecting liver against CCl4 toxicity.