EFFECT OF GHRELIN IN ALLEVIATING NICOTINE INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN BALB/C MICE

Abstract

Background: Ghrelin, a hormone released from GIT mucosa is known to have antioxidant properties by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes and by preventing lipid peroxidation. The current study was designed to demonstrate the protective role of ghrelin against nicotine induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in BALB/c mice. Methods: Ninety healthy, male BALB/c mice selected through non probability convenient sampling were sorted out into three groups having 30 mice each. Group I (control group) was given intraperitoneal injection of normal saline (i.p.). Group II was given nicotine at a dose of 2.5 mg/Kg body weight (i.p.), while Group III was given nicotine at a dose of 2.5 mg/Kg body weight (i.p.) along with ghrelin at a dose of 10 µg/Kg (i.p.) on alternate days for 4 weeks. On 30th day sampling was done for assessment of serum levels of oxidative stress enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and catalase levels) and lipid peroxidation marker (malondialdehyde) on ELISA. Data was analysed using SPSS-24. ANOVA followed by post Hoc Tukey test were applied and p?0.05 was considered significant. Results: Nicotine group showed significant decrease in serum antioxidant enzymes along with significant increase in lipid peroxidation marker. Administration of ghrelin significantly raised the antioxidant enzymes and caused decline in levels of lipid peroxidation marker. Conclusion: Ghrelin appears to be an antioxidant due to its ability to increase the levels of antioxidant enzymes and decrease lipid peroxidation marker in nicotine-induced oxidative stress. Pak J Physiol 2022;18(3):3?6