Protective Effects of Silymarin and/or Omega-3 Fatty Acids against Paracetamol-initiated Liver Toxicity in Rats

Abstract

Abstract: Background and Aim: The proposed experiment was planned to evaluate the potential protective function of aqueous extract of Silymarin (SL) concentrate and/or Omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) against PCM-initiated liver toxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty Wistar-albino rats (either of sex) were distributed among five equivalent groups as follows: Normal control group, PCM control group, PCM + SL group (25 mg/kg, p.o.), PCM + O3FAs group (300 mg/kg, p.o.), PCM + SL + O3FAs group. All the treatments were administered for 14 days. Hepatotoxicity was induced in all groups except Group I by injection of PCM (2 g/kg, i.p.) on 14th day post the administration of drugs. Results: Noticeable rise in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, VEGF and CRP were seen alongside a substantial reduction in the levels of serum total protein content and antioxidant enzymes, SOD, GSH, catalase in PCM control group. Treatment with SL or O3FAs or SL + O3FAs exhibited a considerable alteration in abovementioned biomarkers. Conclusion: The study concluded that SL and/or O3FAs protected the liver against PCM-initiated liver toxicity. However, the significantly increased hepatoprotective effects of SL when combined with O3FAs insinuate a possible synergism. Key words: Silymarin, Omega-3 fatty acids, TNF-α, IL-6, VEGF, CRP.