Aim: The current study was designed to evaluate the potential hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of coppernicotinate complex (CNC) against methionine- and choline-deficient diet (MCDD)-induced fatty liver in rats.
Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into one of four equal-sized groups (G1-G4).
The G1 group was fed a balanced diet and kept under normal conditions; the G2 group received CNC orally at a dose of
0.043 mg/kg body weight, 3 times/week for 4 weeks, and a balanced diet; the G3 group was fed an MCDD for 4 weeks; and
the G4 group was fed an MCDD and administered CNC at the same dose and route as G2. Blood samples were collected for
the determination of serum enzyme activity. After 4 weeks of treatment, liver specimens were collected for the evaluation
of the oxidative/antioxidative markers, cytokine gene expression, and histopathological examination.
Results: CNC improved MCDD-induced liver dysfunctions by recovering serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate
aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities to their normal levels. The glutathione (GSH) level and
superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity significantly decreased, while lipid peroxidation (as reflected by malondialdehyde
[MDA]) markedly increased in the liver tissue of the MCDD group. After cotreatment with MCDD and CNC, the GSH
level and SOD activity markedly increased and the MDA level significantly decreased to return to normal levels. After
cotreatment with MCDD and CNC, significant downregulation of the mRNA expression of hepatic interleukin (IL)-1β,
IL-4, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 genes was found. Moreover, CNC
reduced fatty liver complications by reducing the number of hepatic vacuolations, degenerative changes in the hepatocytes,
and hemorrhage.
Conclusion: CNC has the potential to limit tissue injury and possibly prevent the progression to severe liver disease caused
by an MCDD. |
