BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF SILYMARIN. CURCUMIN OR TAURINE ON CCI4-INDUCED LIVER INJURY IN RATS

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

2 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.

3 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.

Abstract

The present study investigated the role of silymarin (100 mg/kg), curcumin (75 mg/kg) or taurine (1 gm/kg) in the prophylaxis against carbon tetrachloride (CCI4) induced liver injury in rats. The substances used were administered 2 weeks before and 6 weeks along with CCl4, (25 µl/100 gm). The levels of serum transaminases (ALT, AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood glucose and serum protein concentration were determined. In addition, histopathological examination of liver samples was carried out. Silymarin resulted in a significant reduction in ALT, AST, ALP and blood glucose levels and a significant elevation of total protein concentration. On the other hand, curcumin significantly elevated the levels of ALT, AST and ALP compared to cirrhotic rats. Taurine resulted in a significant reduction in AST and blood glucose with a significant elevation of ALT and ALP levels. Liver of silymarin pretreated rats showed few cells at the periportal area having necrotic changes and regeneration of large number of the hepatocytes. The bile ducts and ductules of the livers of curcumin pretreated rats showed moderate hyperplastic changes and the hepatic blood vessels were moderately congested. Mono-lobular cirrhosis, necrosis of the hepatocytes, sever congestion of The hepatic blood vessels and hyperplasia of bile ducts and duciules were found in livers of taurine pretreated rats. The present study demonstrates that silymarin can protect the liver against CCI4-induced hepatic injury while, taurine or curcumin couldn't perform the same effect.