Investigation of the Effects of Artemisinin on Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Toxicity - PubMed
4 hours ago
- #oxidative-stress
- #hepatotoxicity
- #artemisinin
- Paracetamol (PARA) overdose is a leading cause of hepatotoxicity, with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as the standard antidote having limitations.
- Artemisinin (ART), a natural compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, was studied for hepatoprotective effects in a PARA-induced acute liver injury model.
- Administration of PARA significantly increased liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and oxidative stress markers, while reducing antioxidant levels compared to controls.
- ART treatment, particularly at a dose of 14 mg/kg (PARA + ART 14), significantly reduced liver enzyme levels, increased antioxidants (SOD, GSH), and decreased oxidative stress marker MDA, with effects comparable to NAC.
- ART downregulated inflammation- and oxidative stress-related gene expressions (TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, NF-κB, CYP2E1 mRNA) that were elevated in the PARA group.
- Histopathological findings showed dose-dependent improvement, with partial recovery at 7 mg/kg ART and pronounced recovery at 14 mg/kg, but no significant improvement at 35 mg/kg.
- The study suggests ART has dose-dependent hepatoprotective effects against paracetamol-induced liver injury by modulating oxidative stress and inflammation, warranting further research on optimal dosing and clinical potential.