Evaluation of protective effect of N-acetyl cysteine on arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to study protective role of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) was assessed against arsenic (As)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. METHODS: Twenty four male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each and treated as follows: Group 1: sham control, 2: arsenic control (sodium arsenite @ 10 mg/kg b. wt orally for 4 wks), 3: Pre-treatment with NAC (@ 300 mg/kg orally for 2 wks) followed by sodium arsenite along with NAC (as per above doses) and 4: Sodium arsenite + NAC (as per above doses for 4 wks). RESULTS: The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls was significantly (P<0.05) increased, while the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH), and the activity of CYP450, Na+ - K+ ATPase and Mg2+ ATPase in liver were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in group 2 as compared to control. Groups 3 and 4 revealed improvement in the parameters in study. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that arsenic induces hepatotoxicity by inducing oxidative stress and supplementation of NAC is beneficial in countering the adverse effects.