Effect of levetiracetam on hepatic fibrosis in diabetic rats

Abstract

Objectives: In our study we investigated the possible effects of levetiracetam (LEV) on hepatic fibrosis in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats with histopathology, real-time elastography imaging technique. We also aimed to investigate the effects of LEV on oxidative stress markers. Materials and methods: Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) single dose injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). Twenty-one rats were randomly divided into three groups; control group, STZ group treated with 1 mL/kg/day saline (STZ+SP), and STZ group treated with 600 mg/kg/day LEV was administrated by i.p. for four weeks. All rats underwent a real-time elastography (strain-elasticity %). The liver sections are examined by histopathologically (liver fibrosis score). In addition, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione levels were measured in plasma. Results: Treatment with LEV significantly decreased liver fibrosis score and increased strain measurement % on the real-time elastography in diabetic rats. In addition, treatment with LEV significantly increased total antioxidant capacity, glutathione and malondialdehyde levels decreased in plasma of diabetic rats. Conclusion: Levetiracetam has potential as a treatment for diabetic liver injury and hepatic fibrosis and can be a good candidate among new treatment options. In addition, real-time elastography is reliable imaging non-invasive technique for detecting hepatic fibrosis. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; levetiracetam; oxidative stress; real-time elastography.