Basic Research
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jan 14, 2006; 12(2): 287-291
Published online Jan 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i2.287
Role of N-acetylcysteine in rifampicin-induced hepatic injury of young rats
SV Rana, S Attri, K Vaiphei, R Pal, A Attri, K Singh
SV Rana, S Attri, R Pal, K Singh, Department of Gastr-oenterology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh-160012, India
K Vaiphei, Department of Palhotogy, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh-160012, India.
A Attri, Department of Surgery, Govt. Medical College, Cha-ndigarh-160012, India
Supported by Department of Science and Technology, Changdigarh, India
Correspondence to: Dr. SV Rana, Professor, Department of Gastroenterology, House No. 137, Sector 15-A, Chandigarh, India. svrana25@hotmail.com
Telephone: 0091-172-2744401
Received: May 29, 2005
Revised: June 28, 2005
Accepted: July 1, 2005
Published online: January 14, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To study the role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a protective agent in rifampicin (RMP)-induced oxidative hepatic injury of young rats.

METHODS: Hepatic injury was produced by giving 50mg/kg body weight/day of RMP for 3 wk. A dose of NAC (100mg/kg body weight/day) was given in combination with RMP intraperitoneally. Analysis of lipid peroxidation, thiol levels, cytochrome P450, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reductase and transferase were estimated in liver along with the body weight, liver weight and histological observations.

RESULTS: RMP exposure resulted in no change in body and liver weight while antioxidative enzymes were altered but the non protein thiol (GSH) status was well preserved. Cytochrome P450 system and peroxidation of lipids were induced by RMP exposure. Partial protection was observed with NAC against RMP-induced changes in liver, which was evidenced from the prevention of increase in lipid peroxidation and the reduction in SOD and catalase enzyme levels.

CONCLUSION: NAC protects young rats against RMP-induced oxidative hepatic injury.

Keywords: Rifampicin; N-acetylcysteine; Hepa-toprotection.