Abstract
Background/Aim: The hepatoprotective role of various molecules in drug-induced hepatotoxicity arouses great interest. We investigated the effect of liposomal curcumin (LCC) on experimental acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups, and the effect of two LCC concentrations was studied: group 1 – 1 ml intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline, group 2 – APAP pretreatment, group 3 – APAP+silymarin (extract of the silybum marianum with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-fibrotic properties), group 4 – APAP+LCC1, group 5 – APAP+LCC2. The biomarkers of oxidative stress (nitric oxide and malondialdehyde) and antioxidant status of plasma (thiols and catalase), TNF-α, MMP-2 and MMP-9 serum levels were evaluated. Results: An improvement in oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and TNF-α, MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels was obtained in groups pretreated with LCC compared to silymarin treatment, in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological examination reinforced the results. Conclusion: Liposomal curcumin improves the oxidative stress/antioxidant balance and alleviates inflammation in experimental APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.
- Curcumin
- acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity
- tumor necrosis factor alpha
- oxidative stress
- matrix metalloproteinases
- Received October 30, 2019.
- Revision received December 2, 2019.
- Accepted December 3, 2019.
- Copyright© 2020, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved