A Nutrient Mixture Suppresses Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatic Toxicity in ICR Mice

Abstract

Introduction Recent studies from our laboratory indicated that a unique nutrient formulation consisting of lysine, proline, ascorbic acid and green tea extract (NM) demonstrates a broad spectrum of pharmacological, therapeutic, cardio vascular and chemoprotective properties. Objective We examined the effect of NM in mice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CT), a model of liver injury in which free radical, oxidative stress and cytokine production are closely linked. Materials and Methods Six-week-old male ICR mice were divided into four groups of five animals each; Group A received corn oil and was used as a normal control. Group B mice received CT (25 μL/kg, in corn oil, ip), group C mice were fed NM (0.5%) for two weeks, and group D mice were dosed with CT (25 μL/kg, in corn oil, ip) after feeding NM (0.5%) for two weeks. All animals were sacrificed after 24 hrs. Blood was withdrawn by cardiac puncture and serum was collected for markers of liver and kidney. Liver and kidney were excised for histology Results Administration of CT to group B mice resulted in marked increase in serum AST and ALT levels (markers for liver). Serum ALT and AST in groups A and C were of low magnitude and were comparable, whereas in group D animals these enzymes were significantly reduced. CT had no effect on renal markers (BUN, creatinine and BUN/creatinine ratio). CT administration caused an intense degree of liver necrosis that was less severe in the NM fed group D. Conclusions These results indicate that NM could be a useful supplement in treating liver diseases due, in part, to its antioxidant properties and ability to scavenge CT-associated free radicals.