Possible role of glutathione in prevention of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity enhanced by fish oil in male Wistar rats

J Toxicol Environ Health A. 1998 Feb 6;53(3):223-9. doi: 10.1080/009841098159358.

Abstract

It has been reported that fish oil protects the rat liver against acetaminophen (APAP) induced toxicity; however, this finding is controversial. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of fish oil-enriched diet on APAP-induced liver injury in Wistar rats. Rats were fed a diet supplemented with either 8% fish oil or 8% corn oil, or standard rat feed for 6 wk. After an overnight fast, rats in each group were given either 2 g/kg APAP or saline orally. Our findings showed that APAP increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and that this rise was potentiated in the presence of dietary fat. Further fish oil ingestion increased the glutathione (GSH) content in rat liver; however, this was not effective in protecting liver from APAP-induced toxicity. Data suggest that GSH may be necessary to detoxify APAP metabolites, which are known to induce hepatotoxicity but are increased by dietary fat.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / toxicity*
  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / blood
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / metabolism
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / prevention & control*
  • Corn Oil / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage
  • Fish Oils / administration & dosage
  • Fish Oils / pharmacology*
  • Glutathione / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Dietary Fats
  • Fish Oils
  • Acetaminophen
  • Corn Oil
  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Glutathione