Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Pharmacy - Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

D-galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats is an experimental model recognized to simulate viral hepatitis in humans from both morphological and functional points of view.Ü-lipoic acid and taurine are known as potential natural anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. Hence the present study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin, taurine, Ü-lipoic acid alone or in combination on D-galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Male albino rats were divided into seven groups; both groups 1 and 2 received 1% tween 80 in normal saline, groups 3,4,5,6 and 7 received curcumin, taurine, Ü-lipoic acid, curcumin combined with taurine and cucumin combined with Ü-lipoic acid of same doses (50mg/kg, po) respectively for 15 days. On the 15th day, D-galactosamine (500mg/kg, ip) was administered to all groups except for normal control group that was given 0.5ml normal saline. 24 hours following D-galactosamine administration, blood samples were collected and animals were sacrificed and their livers were isolated. D-galactosamine resulted in a significant increase in activity of aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin. These findings were supported by histopathology. Also decreased SOD activity, increased lipid peroxidation in both serum and tissue homogenates and showed a significant increase in inflammatory mediators; TNF-Üand IL-10. Pretreatment with curcumin, taurine, Ü-lipoic acid, and alone or in combination mitigated most of these alterations. Curcumin, Ü-lipoic acid and their combination could be regarded as an effective strategy for protection against acute liver injury through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

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