Chitosan and blueberry treatment induces arginase activity and inhibits nitric oxide production during acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity

Eda Ozcelik; Sema Uslu; Dilek Burukoglu; Ahmet Musmul

Articles

Abstract

Pharmacognosy Magazine,2014,10,38s,s217-s224.

DOI:10.4103/0973-1296.133234

Published:May 2014

Type:Original Article

Authors:

Author(s) affiliations:

Eda Ozcelik¹, Sema Uslu², Dilek Burukoglu³, Ahmet Musmul⁴
¹ Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Healthy Sciences, Artvin Coruh University, Artvin, Turkey
² Department of Biochemistry, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, School of Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkey
³ Department of Histology and Embryology, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, School of Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkey
⁴ Department of Biostatistics, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, School of Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkey

Abstract:

Background: Liver diseases have become a major problem of the worldwide. More than 50% of all cases of liver failure can be attributed to drugs. Among these, acetaminophen is the most common cause. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the the hepatoprotective effects of blueberry and chitosan on tissue arginase activity, ornithine and nitric oxide levels during the acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Acetaminophen (250 mg/kg body weight per day), blueberry (60 mg/kg body weight per day) and, chitosan (200 mg/kg body weight per day) were administered to the rats by oral gavage during the experimental period. Results: Blueberry and chitosan significantly decreased liver arginase activity and ornithine levelsand and increased nitric oxide levels. Glutathione levels were remarkably increased by chitosan and blueberry treatments. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that blueberry and chitosan effectively protected against the acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. The hepatoprotective effect afforded by blueberry and chitosan can be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.