Metformin Inhibits ROS/TNF-alpha Axis-Mediated Chronic Kidney Disease Induced by TAA Independent of Leukocyte Infiltration in Association with the Inhibition of Kidney Injury Biomarkers / La Metformina Inhibe la Enfermedad Renal Crónica Mediada por el Eje ROS/TNF-alfa Inducida por TAA Independientemente de la Infiltración de Leucocitos en Asociación con la Inhibición de Biomarcadores de Lesión Renal

SUMMARY: The toxic effects of thioacetamide (TAA) and carbon tetrachloride on the human body are well recognized. In this study, we examined whether TAA intoxication can induce kidney leukocyte infiltration (measured as leukocyte common antigen CD45) associated with the augmentation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) axis, as well as biomarkers of kidney injury with and without metformin treatment. Rats were either injected with TAA (200 mg/kg; twice a week for 8 weeks) before being sacrificed after 10 weeks (experimental group) or were pre-treated with metformin (200 mg/kg) daily for two weeks prior to TAA injections and continued receiving both agents until the end of the experiment, at week 10 (protective group). Using basic histology staining, immunohistochemistry methods, and blood chemistry analysis, we observed profound kidney tissue injury such as glomerular and tubular damage in the experimental group, which were substantially ameliorated by metformin. Metformin also significantly (p0.05) increase in kidney expression of CD45 positive immunostaining cells. In conclusion, we found that TAA induces kidney injury in association with the augmentation of ROS/TNF-α axis, independent of leukocyte infiltration, which is protected by metformin.

Son bien conocidosos los efectos tóxicos de la tioacetamida (TAA) y el tetracloruro de carbono en el cuerpo humano. En este estudio, examinamos si la intoxicación por TAA puede inducir la infiltración de leucocitos renales (medida como antígeno leucocitario común CD45) asociada con el aumento de las especies reactivas de oxígeno (ROS)/factor de necrosis tumoral-alfa (TNF-α), así como biomarcadores de daño renal con y sin tratamiento con metformina. A las ratas se les inyectó TAA (200 mg/kg; dos veces por semana durante 8 semanas) antes de sacrificarlas a las 10 semanas (grupo experimental) o se les pretrató con metformina (200 mg/kg) diariamente durante dos semanas antes de las inyecciones de TAA y continuaron recibiendo ambos agentes hasta el final del experimento, en la semana 10 (grupo protector). Usando tinción histológica básica, métodos de inmunohistoquímica y análisis químico de la sangre, observamos una lesión profunda del tejido renal, como daño glomerular y tubular en el grupo experimental, que mejoraron sustancialmente con la metformina. La metformina también inhibió significativamente (p0,05) en la expresión renal de células de inmunotinción positivas para CD45. En conclusión, encontramos que el TAA induce la lesión renal en asociación con el aumento del eje ROS/TNF-α, independientemente de la infiltración de leucocitos, que está protegida por metformina.

Captopril inhibits thioacetamide-induced chronic liver injury associated with the suppression of inflammation / hypoxia- inducible factor 1-alpha / profibrogenic axis-mediated hepatotoxicity in rats / Captopril inhibe la lesión hepática crónica inducida por tioacetamida asociada con la supresión de la inflamación/factor 1-alfa inducible por hipoxia/hepatotoxicidad mediada por el eje profibrogénico en rata

SUMMARY: Liver transplantation is the only available method to treat liver failure induced by chronic liver injury. We sought to determine whether the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, can inhibit the development of chronic liver injury induced by the hepatotoxic agent thioacetamide (TAA) in association with the suppression of inflammation (hsCRP, TNF-α, and IL-6) / hypoxia- inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) / profibrosis (TIMP-1, MMP-9, and α-SMA) axis that mediates liver injury. Therefore, the model group of rats was injected for eight weeks with 200 mg/kg TAA starting at week two. The protective group was pretreated with 150 mg/ kg captopril daily for two weeks prior to TAA injections and continued receiving both capropril and TAA agents until being humanely scrificed at week 10. We observed a substantial damage to liver tissue in the model group as demonstrated by a significant (p<0.0001) increase in blood and hepatic tissue levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), interleukin- 6 (L-6), HIF-1α, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). All these parameters were significantly (p<0.0244) protected by captopril. Also, a significant (p<0.0001) positive correlation was observed between a-SMA (profibrosis) and the serum and tissue levels of hsCRP, TNF-α, HIF-1α, TIMP-1, MMP-9, and ALT. Thus, these findings suggest that the induction of chronic liver injury by the hepatotoxic compound, TAA is associated with the upregulation of inflammation/HIF-1α/profibrosis, with captopril exhibiting beneficial hepatic pleotropic effects.

El trasplante de hígado es el único método disponible para tratar la insuficiencia hepática inducida por una lesión hepática crónica. Buscamos determinar si el inhibidor de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina, captopril, puede inhibir el desarrollo de lesión hepática crónica inducida por el agente hepatotóxico tioacetamida (TAA) en asociación con la supresión de la inflamación (hsCRP, TNF-α e IL-6) / factor inducible por hipoxia 1-alfa (HIF-1α) / profibrosis (TIMP-1, MMP-9 y α- SMA) eje que media la lesión hepática. Por lo tanto, al grupo modelo de ratas se le inyectó durante ocho semanas 200 mg/kg de TAA a partir de la semana dos. El grupo protector fue pretratado con 150 mg/kg de captopril al día durante dos semanas antes de las inyecciones de TAA y continuó recibiendo capropril y agentes TAA hasta que fue sacrificado en la semana 10. Observamos un daño sustancial en el tejido hepático en el grupo modelo, como lo demuestra un aumento significativo (p<0,0001) de los niveles en sangre y tejido hepático de proteína C reactiva de alta sensibilidad (hsCRP), factor de necrosis tumoral-α (TNF-a), interleucina-6 (L-6), HIF-1α, inhibidor tisular de metaloproteinasas-1 (TIMP-1), metaloproteinasa de matriz-9 (MMP-9), actina de músculo liso alfa (α-SMA), alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) y aspartato aminotransferasa (AST). Todos estos parámetros estaban significativamente (p<0,0244) protegidos por captopril. Además, se observó una correlación positiva significativa (p<0,0001) entre α-SMA (profibrosis) y los niveles séricos y tisulares de hsCRP, TNF-α, HIF-1α, TIMP- 1, MMP-9 y ALT. Por lo tanto, estos hallazgos sugieren que la inducción de daño hepático crónico por el compuesto hepatotóxico, TAA, está asociada con la regulación al alza de la inflamación/HIF-1α/profibrosis, con captopril exhibiendo efectos pleotrópicos hepáticos beneficiosos.

Mitochondrial protection effect of sirtuin2 inhibitor AGK2 on thioacetamide-induced L02 cells / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the protective effect of AGK2, a selective inhibitor of sirtuin 2 (SIRT2), on the mitochondria of L02 hepatocytes induced by thioacetamide (TAA) and its related mechanism.Methods:Human-derived hepatocyte line L02 cells were cultured in vitro. Different concentrations of SIRT2 inhibitor AGK2 were used as intervention drugs. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) was used to detect the effects of different concentrations of AGK2 on the activity of L02 cells, and the appropriate concentration was selected as the AGK2 intervention group. The normal group was not given any drug intervention. The model group was given 90 mmol/L TAA for modeling. Low, medium and high dose AGK2 groups were added with 1, 2 and 4 μmol/L AGK2, respectively 2 h before modeling. CCK8 was used to detect cell activity in each group. Morphological changes of cells were observed under inverted light microscope. The relative protein expression levels of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1), malate dehydrogenase (MDH1), SIRT2 and fission protein 1 homologue (FIS1) were detected by Western blot. The expression of SIRT2 in cells of each group was observed by confocal laser scanning microscope. The mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in each group was observed under a fluorescence microscope. Results:When AGK2 concentration was 1, 2 and 4 μmol/L, the survival rate of cells were 98.05%, 95.76% and 91.65%, respectively, with no statistical significance compared with normal group (all P>0.05). When AGK2 concentration was 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 μmol/L, the cell survival rate was significantly decreased compared with normal group (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the L02 cells in low, medium and high AGK2 groups had better activity and adherence, and the floating cells were significantly reduced. The higher the concentration of AGK2, the better the cell activity and adherence, and the less floating cells. Compared with the model group, the red fluorescence of L02 cells in AGK2 group was enhanced, while the green fluorescence was weakened. The higher the AGK2 concentration was, the stronger the red fluorescence was, and the weaker the green fluorescence was. Compared with the model group, the fluorescence of SIRT2 in L02 cells of low, medium and high AGK2 groups was weakened, and the higher the concentration of AGK2, the weaker the fluorescence of SIRT2. The protein expressions of IDH1 and MDH1 in L02 cells of low, medium and high AGK2 groups were significantly higher than those of model group (all P<0.05), and were positively correlated with the concentration of AGK2 ( r=0.818, P<0.05; r=0.960, P<0.05); the protein expressions of SIRT2 and FIS1 were significantly lower than those of the model group (all P<0.05), and were negatively correlated with the concentration of AGK2 ( r=-0.992, P<0.05; r=-0.998, P<0.05). Conclusions:AGK2 can reduce the mitochondrial membrane potential stimulated by TAA in L02 cells, increase the protein expression of IDH1 and MDH1, and inhibit the protein expression of SIRT2 and FIS1 in L02 cells in a dose-dependent manner.

Protective Role of Quercetin on Thioacetamide-Induced Renal Injury in Adult Male Albino Rats

Background: Thioacetamide (TAA) is a recognized industrial poisonous agent drastically used in animal studies for induction of hepatic necrosis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. It is additionally reported to be nephrotoxic through induction of oxidative stress. Quercetin (QE) has a high antioxidant capacity via free radical scavenging, transition metal ion binding, and lipid peroxidation inhibition. Aim of the work: The goal of this research was to see if QE may help reduce the negative effects of thioacetamide on renal tissue by histological examination of the kidney. Material and methods: Twenty four adult male Albino rats 7–9 weeks old around 180–200g body weight were allocated into 3 groups; Group I (n=8) receiving distilled water, Group II (n=8); rats receiving TAA and Group III (n=8); receiving TAA and QE. Results: Renal tissues were examined under a light microscope stained by Harris Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E stain), Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Masson’s Trichrome for TAA-treated groups revealed severe histopathological changes, whereas specimens obtained from QE-treated groups showed only mild changes. Immunohistochemical results corroborated these findings. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the ameliorative consequences of QE in opposition to TAA-induced renal injury in rats. The result of this study might contribute in the development of a novel complementary alternative medication in combating and therapeutic intervention of TAA-induced renal injury.

Effects of melatonin against thioacetamide-induced testicular toxicity in rats / Efectos de la melatonina contra la toxicidad testicular inducida por tioacetamida en ratas

SUMMARY: This study aimed to investigate the changes in testis tissue of thioacetamide-induced rats and the effect of melatonin on these changes. Thirty-five male Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups. Group I; Control (n=7), Group II; Melatonin (Mel) (10 mg/kg) a single dose (i.p)(n=7), Group III; Thioacetamide (TAA) (300 mg/kg) (i.p) 2 times with 24 hour intervals (n=7), Group IV; TAA (300 mg/kg) was administered at 24-hour intervals, afterwards of 10 mg/kg single dose of Mel (n=7), Group V; Mel was administered 10 mg/kg a single dose 24 hours before the administration of TAA (n=7). Testis was evaluated histologically, immunohistochemically (Heat Shock Proteins (HSP) 70 and 90), blood serum testosterone, total antioxidant status(TAS) and total oxidant status(TOS) in tissue. The tissue sections of Group III decreased seminiferous tubule diameters, and germinal epithelium spills were observed. HSP70 and HSP90 expressions were increased. There wasn't a statistically significant change in testosterone levels among the groups. While TAS levels decreased in Group III compared to control, TOS levels didn't change. HSP70 and HSP90 decreased in groups with Mel-treated. Mel was found to have both protective and therapeutic effects. According to our results, the therapeutic effect of Mel in thioacetamide-induced acute testicular injury is greater than its protective effect.

RESUMEN: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los cambios en el tejido testicular de ratas inducidas por tioacetamida y el efecto de la melatonina en estos cambios. Treinta y cinco ratas macho Wistar Albino se dividieron en cinco grupos. Grupo I; Control (n = 7), Grupo II; Melatonina (Mel) (10 mg / kg) una dosis única (i.p) (n = 7), Grupo III; Tioacetamida (TAA) (300 mg / kg) (i.p) 2 veces con intervalos de 24 horas (n = 7), Grupo IV; TAA (300 mg / kg) se administró a intervalos de 24 horas, luego de una dosis única de 10 mg / kg de Mel (n = 7), Grupo V; Mel recibió 10 mg / kg de una dosis única 24 horas antes de la administración de TAA (n = 7). Los testículos se evaluaron histológicamente, inmunohistoquímicamente (proteínas de choque térmico (PCT) 70 y 90), testosterona en suero sanguíneo, estado antioxidante total (EAT) y estado oxidante total (EOT) en el tejido. En secciones de tejido del Grupo III se observó disminución de los diámetros de los túbulos seminíferos y derrames en el epitelio germinal. Se aumentaron las expresiones HSP70 y HSP90. No hubo un cambio estadísticamente significativo en los niveles de testosterona entre los grupos. Mientras que los niveles de EAT disminuyeron en el Grupo III en comparación con el control, los niveles de EOT no cambiaron. HSP70 y HSP90 disminuyeron en los grupos tratados con Mel. Se descubrió que Mel tenía efectos protectores y terapéuticos. Según nuestros resultados, el efecto terapéutico de Mel en la lesión testicular aguda inducida por tioacetamida es mayor que su efecto protector.

Suppression of thioacetamide-induced hepatic injury in rats treatment with resveratrol: role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) cell signaling / Supresión de la lesión hepática inducida por tioacetamida en ratas tratadas con resveratrol: rol de la vía de señalización mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin)

Chronic hepatotoxicity is a debilitating and frequently life-threatening disease resulting in progressive liver failure. The toxic chemical, thioacetamide (TAA) is used to evaluate hepatoprotective agents, and the polyphenolic compound, resveratrol was proposed as a novel treatment for diseases with hyperactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) cell signaling pathway. This analysis sought to investigate the potential protective effect of resveratrol against liver injury induced by TAA via the inhibition of hepatic mTOR. Model group rats received several injections of TAA (200 mg/kg; twice a week for 8 weeks) before being sacrificed at week 10 and the protective group was pretreated with resveratrol (20 mg/kg) daily for two weeks prior to TAA injections and continued receiving both agents until the end of the experiment. Harvested liver tissues were examined using light microscopy and liver homogenates were assayed for biomarkers of inflammation and assessed the levels of mTOR protein in all animal groups. In addition, blood samples were assayed for biomarkers of liver injury enzyme. TAA substantially damaged the hepatic tissue of the model group such as infiltration of inflammatory cells, vacuolated cytoplasm, dark pyknotic nuclei, and dilated congested blood vessel that were effectively protected by resveratrol. Resveratrol also significantly (p<0.05) inhibited TAA-induced mTOR, high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in harvested liver homogenates and blood samples. Thus, we conclude that resveratrol effectively protects against TAA-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, possibly due to the inhibition of mTOR and inflammation.

La hepatotoxicidad crónica es una enfermedad debilitante y potencialmente mortal que produce insuficiencia hepática progresiva. La toxicidad del químico de la tioacetamida (TAA) se utiliza para evaluar los agentes hepatoprotectores y el compuesto polifenólico, resveratrol, se propuso como un nuevo tratamiento para enfermedades con hiperactivación de la vía de señalización celular mTOR (mammalian Target of Rapamycin). Aquí buscamos investigar el posible efecto protector del resveratrol contra la lesión hepática inducida por TAA a través de la inhibición de la vía de señalización mTOR en hepatocitos. Las ratas del grupo modelo recibieron varias inyecciones de TAA (200 mg / kg; dos veces por semana durante 8 semanas) antes de ser sacrificadas en la semana 10 y el grupo protector se trató previamente con resveratrol (20 mg / kg) diariamente durante dos semanas antes de las inyecciones de TAA y continuó recibiendo ambos agentes hasta el final del experimento. Se examinaron los tejidos hepáticos recolectados usando microscopía óptica y se analizaron los homogeneizados hepáticos para detectar biomarcadores de inflamación y se evaluaron los niveles de proteína mTOR en todos los grupos de animales. Además, se analizaron muestras de sangre para detectar biomarcadores de la enzima de lesión hepática. TAA dañó sustancialmente el tejido hepático del grupo modelo, con infiltración de células inflamatorias, citoplasma vacuolado, núcleos picnóticos oscuros y vasos sanguíneos congestionados dilatados que estaban efectivamente protegidos por el resveratrol. El resveratrol también inhibió significativamente (p <0.05) mTOR, proteína C-reactiva (hs-CRP), factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α), interleucina-6 (IL-6), alanina aminotransferasa (ALT ) y aspartato aminotransferasa (AST) en las muestras de sangre y de hígados recolectados. En conclusión, el resveratrol protege eficazmente contra la hepatotoxicidad inducida por TAA en ratas, posiblemente debido a la inhibición de mTOR y de la inflamación.

Hepatoprotective Potential of Tephrosia purpurea in Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Background: Hepatotoxicity ultimately leads to liver failure. Conventional treatment options for hepatotoxicity are limited and not safe. Aim: The present work has been designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of ethanolic extract of the root of Tephrosia purpurea (Linn.) against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: The plant roots, T. purpurea, were collected from the local area of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and verification was done by Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and a herbarium specimen was deposited in BSI with No. LMC/PM/PD-001. All other reagents and chemicals were of suitable analytical grade and were used as received. Results: On the basis of statistical analysis, both the doses (200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt) of the ethanolic extract of T. purpurea root shown significant hepatoprotective activity compare to negative control. The dose of 400 mg/kg b.wt showed better reduction in serum enzyme level compare to 200 mg/kg b.wt dose of the ethanolic extract of T. purpurea root. Results were determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA non-parametric) followed by Dunnett’s test with P < 0.01 considered statistically significant. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, it may be concluded that the ethanolic extract of T. purpurea root has a significant protective effect on liver injuries

Avasimibe interrupts cholangiocarcinoma induced by thioacetamide in rats / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the effect of avasimibe in preventing cholangiocarcinoma induced by thioacetamide, a chemical carcinogen. Methods Male SD rats were given drinking water containing 300 mg/L thioacetamide and stopped drinking after 3 months, and then were divided into two groups (n=5): control group and avasimibe intervention group. The control group was given normal drinking water, while the avasimibe intervention group was given drinking water containing avasimibe (30 mg/kg) by gavage. After 3 months of intervention, all rats were sacrificed and liver lesions were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) staining. The expression of aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 (AKR1C1) and Ki-67 in liver lesions of rats was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Meanwhile, different concentrations (0, 10, 20 μmol/L) of avasimibe were used to treat the cholangiocarcinoma cell line QBC939, the cell proliferation ability was detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay, and the expression of AKR1C1 in QBC939 cells was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Results The results of H-E staining showed that all rats in the control group developed visible tumors under the microscope, and the tumor formation rate was 100% (5/5), while only one rat in the avasimibe intervention group developed tumors, with a 20% (1/5) tumor formation rate. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the expression levels of AKR1C1Ki-67 in liver lesions of rats in the avasimibe intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The results of CCK-8 assay showed that avasimibe significantly inhibited the proliferation of QBC939 cells. The results of qRT-PCR and Western blotting showed that the expression levels of AKR1C1 mRNA and protein in QBC939 cells after the intervention of avasimibe were significantly decreased compared with those of the control group (both P<0.01). Conclusion Avasimibe can interrupt the occurrence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma caused by chemical carcinogens and is a potential drug for preventing cholangiocarcinoma. AKR1C1 might be a potential therapeutic target of cholangiocarcinoma..

Protective effect of water extracts of Orychophragmus violaceus seeds on TAA-induced acute liver injury in mice / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of water extracts of Orychophragmus violaceus seeds on liver injury induced by thioacetamide(TAA) in mice. ICR male mice were randomly divided into seven groups: normal group, model group, bicyclol positive control group(200 mg·kg~(-1)), Kuihua Hugan Tablets group(350 mg·kg~(-1)), O. violaceus seeds low-dose water extract group(125 mg·kg~(-1)), middle-dose water extract group(250 mg·kg~(-1)), and high-dose water extract group(500 mg·kg~(-1)). Intragastric administration was given in all groups at 0.02 mL·g~(-1) body weight, 1 time a day for continuous 4 days. One h after the administration on the 4 th day, the liver injury model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of TAA(100 mg·kg~(-1)). The mice were put to death 24 hours later. Blood and tissues were taken and organ indexes were calculated. The activities of ALT, AST and TBiL in serum were detected. The content of MDA, GSH and the activity of SOD, GSH-Px in liver homogenate were examined by colorimetry method. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissues in mice. The protein expression levels of NF-κB p65, Keap-1, Nrf2, p-p38, p-JNK, p-ERK, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-8 were detected by Western blot. The results showed that as compared with the model group, various O. violaceus seeds groups could significantly improve the pathological conditions of liver and reduce ALT, AST, TBiL activities in serum of mice with liver injury. In the high-dose group, the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and the content of GSH were significantly increased, while MDA content was sharply declined. Meanwhile, O. violaceus seeds extract down-regulated the expressions of Bax, Keap-1, p-p38, p-JNK, p-ERK, NF-κB p65, cleaved caspase-3 and up-regulated the expressions of Nrf2, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and caspase-8. In conclusion, O. violaceus seeds extract exhibited potent protective effect on liver injury induced by TAA in mice, and its mechanism may be related to down-regulating levels of Keap-1, up-regulating the expressions of Nrf2, inhibiting the expressions of p-p38, p-ERK and NF-κB p65 signaling pathway, and inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis by down-regulating the expressions of p-JNK and Bax and up-regulating the expressions of Bcl-2.

Effect of lesimarin against thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis in rat

Liver cirrhosis is one of chronic liver diseases with high disability and mortality accompanying fibrosis, hepatocyte damage, and liver dysfunction. In this study, the hepatoprotective and the antifibrotic properties of lesimarin(lecithin - silymarin - Artemisia messerschmitiana Besser(AMB) extract complex at 11:3:6 ratio) on rat hepatic fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) was investigated. Rats were divided into seven groups: control, lesimarin, TAA, TAA+lesimarin, TAA+lecithin, TAA+silymarin, TAA+AMB. Rats were administered with TAA at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally twice a week for three months. Lesimarin, lecithin, silymarin and AMB were administered at a dose of 1.0, 1.0, 0.5, 1.0g/kg body weight orally daily for three months, respectively. TAA administration resulted in hepatic fibrosis, significant decrease in body weight, albumin level and A/G ratio and increase in plasma transaminase, GGT(γ-glutamyltransferase) and ALP(alkaline phosphatase) activities as well as hepatic hydroxyproline content, which were attenuated by lesimarin administration. Lesimarin was found to decrease AST, ALT and GGT, ALP and bilirubin, hydroxyproline levels and increase albumin level and A/G ratio and its effect is more prominent than those of individual constituents. These results suggest this new drug, lesimarin, might be a promising drug to be used for chronic liver diseases.

Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin ameliorate ulcerative colitis in rats

To evaluate the antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin in rats with thioacetamide-induced ulcerative colitis. Methods: Animals were orally administered with a vehicle, sulfasalazine (500 mg/kg), pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (100 mg/kg), and saxagliptin (10 mg/kg) for two weeks. Ulcerative colitis was induced by a single intrarectal instillation of thioacetamide on day 8. Colon samples were collected to assess mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), interleukin-12 (IL-12), caspase-3, β-defensin, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Moreover, histopathological examination was performed. Results: Rats treated with thioacetamide caused increases in colonic MAPK, phosphorylated ERK, CREB, caspase-3, IL-12, β-defensin, iNOS, as well as decreases in body weight and GLP-1. In addition, distortion of colonic structure was found by histopathological examination. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin mitigated colitis severity by improving body weight decrease and GLP-1, and reducing colonic MAPK, phosphorylated ERK, CREB, caspase-3, IL-12, β-defensin and iNOS.Conclusions: Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin are efficient against thioacetamide induced colitis through improving inflammatory and oxidative changes.

Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin ameliorate ulcerative colitis in rats

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin in rats with thioacetamide-induced ulcerative colitis. Methods: Animals were orally administered with a vehicle, sulfasalazine (500 mg/kg), pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (100 mg/kg), and saxagliptin (10 mg/kg) for two weeks. Ulcerative colitis was induced by a single intrarectal instillation of thioacetamide on day 8. Colon samples were collected to assess mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), interleukin-12 (IL-12), caspase-3, β-defensin, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Moreover, histopathological examination was performed. Results: Rats treated with thioacetamide caused increases in colonic MAPK, phosphorylated ERK, CREB, caspase-3, IL-12, β-defensin, iNOS, as well as decreases in body weight and GLP-1. In addition, distortion of colonic structure was found by histopathological examination. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin mitigated colitis severity by improving body weight decrease and GLP-1, and reducing colonic MAPK, phosphorylated ERK, CREB, caspase-3, IL-12, β-defensin and iNOS. Conclusions: Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin are efficient against thioacetamide induced colitis through improving inflammatory and oxidative changes.

Metformin protects against thioacetamide induced liver injury in rats / La metformina protege contra la lesión hepática inducida por tioacetamida en ratas

Potent heptatotoxic chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide (TAA) are used to evaluate hepatoprotective agents. Here we sought to investigate the potential protective effect of the antidiabetic and antioxidant drug, metformin against liver injury induced by TAA. Model group rats received several injections of TAA (200 mg/kg) before being sacrificed after 10 weeks and the protective group started the treatment two weeks prior to TAA injections and continued receiving both agents, metformin and TAA until the end of the experiment, week 10. Harvested liver tissues were examined using light microscopy and liver homogenates were assayed for oxidative and anti-oxidative stress markers that are known to be modulated in liver injury. Profound damage in the hepatic tissue of the model group such as liver fibrosis and destruction of hepatic architectures were revealed, which were protected by metformin comparable to the control group. TAA augmented the oxidative stress biomarker, malondialdehyde (MDA) and ameliorated the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), which were significantly (p<0.05) protected by metformin treatment. These results indicate that metformin effectively protects against TAA-induced hepatotoxicity in a rat model.

Para evaluar los agentes hepatoprotectores se usan químicos heptatotóxicos potentes como el tetracloruro de carbono y la tioacetamida (TAA). En este estudio tratamos de investigar el efecto protector potencial de la droga antidiabética y antioxidante, la metformina contra la lesión hepática inducida por TAA. Las ratas del grupo modelo recibieron varias inyecciones de TAA (200 mg/kg) durante 10 semanas antes de ser sacrificadas, y el grupo protector comenzó el tratamiento dos semanas antes de las inyecciones TAA y continuó recibiendo ambos agentes, metformina y TAA, hasta el final del experimento. Los tejidos hepáticos se examinaron usando microscopía óptica y se analizaron los homogeneizados hepáticos en busca de marcadores de estrés oxidativo y antioxidante los que están modulados en la lesión hepática. Se observaron daños significativos en el tejido hepático del grupo modelo como la fibrosis hepática y destrucción de la arquitectura hepática, que estaban protegidas por la metformina comparable al grupo control. TAA aumentó el biomarcador de estrés oxidativo, malondialdehído (MDA) y mejoró la enzima antioxidante superóxido dismutasa (SOD), que fueron protegidas significativamente (p <0,05) por el tratamiento con metformina. Estos resultados indican que la metformina protege eficazmente contra la hepatotoxicidad inducida por TAA en un modelo de rata.

The ameliorative potential of probiotics and/or silymarin on thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity in rats: histological and immunohistochemical study / El potencial de mejora de los probióticos y / o silimarina sobre la hepatotoxicidad inducida por tioacetamida en ratas: estudio histológico e inmunohistoquímico

Thioacetamide (TAA) is one of the common fungicidal agents that induce liver injury varying from inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis to cirrhosis. Many recent studies reported the beneficial effect of probiotics and silymarin on hepatotoxicity regardless the causative agents. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative role of probiotics and/or silymarin on TAA induced hepatotoxicity in rats via histological, and immunohistochemical methods. Twenty five male albino rats were used for this experiment and were divided into five groups (n=5 rats/group); group I acts as negative control, group II was orally administrated distilled water for six weeks, then injected with TAA (200 mg/kg b.wt./ 5 ml physiological saline/ I.P.) twice a week for another six weeks, group III was treated with probiotics at a dose of 135 mg/ kg b.wt. orally in drinking water daily for six weeks, then injected with TAA (dosage of group II), twice weekly for another six weeks, group IV was treated with silymarin at a dose of 200 mg/ kg b.wt orally 4 times per week for six weeks, then injected with TAA (dosage of group II), twice weekly for another six weeks and group V was treated with combination of both probiotics and silymarin, at the same dosage in groups III and IV respectively then injected with TAA (dosage of group II), twice weekly for another six weeks. Histologically, TAA induced hepatocytes degeneration, inflammatory cells infiltration, and pseudolobular parenchyma as well as, high apoptosis and low proliferation rates that were proved by immunohistochemical staining for caspase 3 and ki-67 respectively. Probiotics and/or silymarin improved the histological feature of hepatocytes, reduced apoptosis and stimulated proliferation. Based on these results, we concluded that the use of probiotics and silymarin combination ameliorates the hepatotoxic effect of TAA in rats more than the use of probiotics or silymarin alone.

La tioacetamida (TAA) es uno de los agentes fungicidas más comunes que inducen lesiones hepáticas que varían desde inflamación, necrosis y fibrosis hasta cirrosis. Muchos estudios recientes informaron el efecto beneficioso de los probióticos y la silimarina sobre la hepatotoxicidad independientemente de los agentes causantes. Por lo tanto, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el papel paliativo de los probióticos y / o silimarina en la hepatotoxicidad inducida por TAA en ratas a través de métodos histológicos e inmunohistoquímicos. Para este experimento se usaron veinticinco ratas albinas y se dividieron en cinco grupos (n = 5 ratas / grupo); el grupo I se usó como control negativo; en el grupo II se administró por vía oral agua destilada durante seis semanas y luego se inyectó TAA (200 mg / kg b.wt./ 5 ml solución salina fisiológica / IP) dos veces por semana durante otras seis semanas; el grupo III se trató con probióticos, dosis diaria de 135 mg / kg b.wt. por vía oral en agua potable, durante seis semanas y luego fue inyectado con TAA (dosis del grupo II), dos veces por semana durante otras seis semanas; el grupo IV se trató con silimarina, con una dosis de 200 mg / kg b.wt por vía oral 4 veces por semana durante seis semanas, luego se inyectó TAA (dosificación del grupo II), dos veces por semana durante otras seis semanas; y el grupo V, se trató con una combinación de ambos probióticos y silimarina con la misma dosis que en los grupos III y IV, respectivamente, luego fueron inyectados con TAA (dosificación del grupo II), dos veces por semana durante otras seis semanas. Histológicamente, la TAA indujo la degeneración de los hepatocitos, la infiltración de células inflamatorias y el parénquima pseudolobular, así como también una apoptosis alta y tasas de proliferación bajas que se probaron mediante tinción inmunohistoquímica para caspasa 3 y ki-67, respectivamente. Los probióticos y / o la silimarina mejoraron la característica histológica de los hepatocitos, redujeron la apoptosis y estimularon la proliferación. En base a estos resultados, concluimos que el uso de la combinación de probióticos y silimarina mejora el efecto hepatotóxico del TAA en ratas más que el uso de probióticos o silimarina individualmente.

The role of oxymatrine in regulating TGF-ß1 in rats with hepatic fibrosis

Abstract Purpose: To investigate whether oxymatrine (OMT) prevents hepatic fibrosis in rats by regulating liver transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) level. Methods: Hepatic fibrosis was induced in rats by thioacetamide (TAA). Blood was collected at the end of week 12 to determine the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and glutathione (GSH). Changes in liver tissue were observed after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Results: Fibrosis was confirmed by Masson's collagen staining. Liver TGF-β1 level was determined by ELISA. OMT significantly reduced serum ALT and AST but increased GSH levels in rats with hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, it significantly improved liver histology in rats with TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis. It significantly decreased liver TGF-β1 level compared to that in the untreated group. It also significantly reduced collagen deposition in rats. Conclusion: Oxymatrine is effective in protecting rats from thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis by regulating TGF-β1 expression.

Aspirin interrupts bile duct carcinoma in rats induced by thioacetamide / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To establish a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced bile duct carcinoma rat model and to observe the effect of aspirin on bile duct carcinoma by interrupting the model. Methods Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were given drinking water containing TAA (300 mg/L) for 5 months, and tumor formations of the livers were observed by H-E staining at the 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th weeks, respectively. The expression of carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA-2) in liver tissues was also detected by immunohistochemistry. SD male rats were also selected and treated with aspirin after exposing to TAA for 12 weeks. And then the tumor formations of the livers were observed by H-E staining at the 3rd and 6th months, and the expression of CA-2 was detected by immunohistochemistry. Bile duct carcinoma cells QBC939 were obtained and treated with aspirin (0 mmol/L and 5 mmol/L), and the expression of CA-2 was detected by Western blotting after culturing for 48 h. Results Obvious fibrosis was found in the livers of some rats at 12th weeks after exposing to TAA; large number of fibrous tissue hyperplasia and microscopic or suspected tumors were found in the livers at the 16th weeks; visible tumors in the livers were found in all the rats at the 20th weeks. The incidence of hepatic tumors or suspected tumors was 28.6% (2/7) in rats treated with aspirin for 6 months, while it was 100% (7/7) in rats without aspirin treatment. The expression of CA-2 in liver tissues was gradually increased with the development of bile duct carcinoma in rats, while the expression of CA-2 in liver tissues was decreased after treating with aspirin. The expression of CA-2 in QBC939 cells treated with 5 mmol/L aspirin for 48 h was significantly decreased versus the untreated control group (P0.01). Conclusion TAA can successfully induce intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma. Aspirin can interrupt the development of bile duct carcinoma and may be used to prevent intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma.

Action of vitamin e on experimental severe acute liver failure / Composição corporal de pacientes com doença de Crohn e colite ulcerativa

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Severe Acute Liver Failure (ALF) is a life-threatening clinical syndrome characterized by hepatocyte necrosis, loss of hepatic architecture, and impairment of liver functions. One of the main causes of ALF is hepatotoxicity from chemical agents, which damage hepatocytes and result in increase of reactive oxygen species. The vitamin E isoform is the one with the strongest biological antioxidant activity. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the antioxidant effect of vitamin E in this ALF model. METHODS We used 56 rats (mean weight of 300 g) divided into eight groups, four groups assessed at 24 hours and 4 assessed at 48 hours after induction: control group (CO); Vitamin E (Vit. E); Thioacetamide (TAA) and Thioacetamide + Vitamina E (TAA+Vit.E). Rats were submitted to injections of thioacetamide (400 mg/kg i.p.) at baseline and 8 hours later. Vitamin E (100 mg/kg ip) was administered 30 minutes after the second dose of thioacetamide. The 48-hour group rats received two additional doses of vitamin E (24h and 36h). At 24h or 48 hours after the administration of the first dose of TAA, rats were weighed and anesthetized and their blood sampled for evaluation of liver integrity through enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Liver tissue was sampled for assessment of lipid peroxidation (LPO) by the technique TBARS, antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GPx and GST activity, levels of the NO 2 /NO 3 and histology by H&E in two times. The results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and statistically analyzed by ANOVA followed by Student-Newman-Keuls, with P <0.05 considered as significant. RESULTS After treatment with vitamin E, we observed a reduction in liver enzymes AST (U/L) (101.32±19.45 in 24 hours and 97.85±29.65 in 48 hours) related to the TAA group (469.56± 0.69 in 24 hours and 598.23±55.45 in 48 hours) and ALT (U/L) (76.59±8.56 in 24 hours and 68.47±6.49 in 48 hours) compared to the TAA group (312.21±10.23 in 24 hours and 359.15±17.58 in 48 hours). There was a reduction of LPO (nmol/mg Prot) in the TAA+Vit.E group (0.77±0.07 in 24 hours and 0.95±0.08 in 48 hours) compared to the TAA group (1.50±0.07 in 24 hours e 1.65±0.16 in 48 hours). SOD decreased in the TAA+Vit.E group (49.48±9.47 in 24 hours and 62.45±18, 47 in 48 hours), related to the TAA group (98.46±15.48 in 24 hours and 154.13±21.46 in 48 hours), as well as GST (nmol/min/mg Prot) in the TAA+Vit.E group (350.57±36.93 in 24 hours and 453.29±13.84 in 48 hours) compared to the TAA group (561.57±64.56 in 24 hours and 673.43±38.13 in 48 hours). There was an increase in CAT (pmol/min/mg Prot) in the TAA+Vit.E group (3.40±0.44 in 24 hours and 3.0±0.35 in 48 hours) compared to the TAA group (1.65±0.21 in 24 hours and 1.86±0.42 in 48 hours). The GPx (nmol/min/mg Prot) increased in 24 hours in the TAA+Vit.E group (1.01±0.16) compared to the TAA group (0.41±0.04) and decreased in 48 hours (1.19±0.17) compared to the TAA group (1.76±0.21). There was a reduction in NO2/NO3 (mmol/L) levels in the TAA+Vit.E group (31.47±4.26 in 24 hours and 38.93±5.20 in 48 hours) compared to the TAA group (49.37±5.12 in 24 hours and 53.53±5.97 in 48 hours). The histopathological evaluation showed a decrease in liver injury (necrosis and inflammation) in both studied times. CONCLUSION These results suggest that vitamin E was able to protect the liver from lesions caused by thioacetamide.

RESUMO CONTEXTO A Insuficiência Hepática Aguda Grave (IHAG) é uma síndrome clínica potencialmente fatal, na qual ocorre necrose dos hepatócitos, perda da arquitetura hepática e deterioração de suas funções. Dentre as principais causas da IHAG está a hepatotoxicidade decorrente de agentes químicos, que lesam os hepatócitos e acarretam aumento das espécies reativas de oxigênio. A vitamina E tem alta atividade antioxidante biológica e é amplamente distribuída nos tecidos. OBJETIVO Avaliar o efeito antioxidante da Vitamina E no modelo de IHAG. MÉTODOS Foram utilizados 56 ratos, com peso médio de 300 g, divididos em oito grupos, quatro grupos avaliados em 24 horas e quatro em 48 horas após a indução: grupo controle (CO); Vitamina E (Vit.E); Tioacetamida (TAA) e Tioacetamida + Vitamina E (TAA+Vit.E). Os ratos foram submetidos a injeções de tioacetamida, na dose de 400 mg/Kg de peso i.p., no início do experimento e, posteriormente, após 8 horas. A vit E (100 mg//Kg i.p.) foi administrada 30 minutos após a segunda dose de tioacetamida. Os animais do tempo 48 horas receberam mais duas doses de vit. E (24h e 36h). Transcorridas 24 ou 48 horas após a administração da primeira dose de TAA, os animais foram pesados, anestesiados e o sangue retirado para a avaliação da integridade hepática através das enzimas Aspartatoaminotransferase (AST) e Alanina aminotransferase (ALT). O tecido hepático foi retirado para avaliação da lipoperoxidação através da técnica de TBARS, atividade das enzimas antioxidantes SOD, CAT, GPx, e GST, avaliação de NO 2 /NO 3 e avaliação histológica pela coloração de hematoxilina e eosina nos dois tempos. Os resultados foram expressos como média ± erro padrão e a análise estatística utilizada foi ANOVA, seguido de teste de Student-Newman-Keuls, considerado significativo P <0,05. RESULTADOS Após o tratamento com a vit. E, observamos uma redução nas enzimas de integridade hepática AST (U/L) (101,32±19,45 em 24h e 97,85±29,65 em 48h) relacionado ao grupo TAA (469,56±20,69 em 24h e 598,23±55,45 em 48h) e ALT (U/L) (76,59±8,56 em 24h e 68,47±6,49 em 48h) comparado ao grupo TAA (312,21±10,23 em 24h e 359,15±17,58 em 48h). Houve uma redução da LPO (nmol/mg Prot), no grupo TAA+Vit.E (0,77±0,07 em 24h e 0,95±0,08 em 48h) comparado ao grupo TAA (1,50±0,07 em 24h e 1,65±0,16 em 48h). A SOD (USOD/min/mg Prot) diminuiu no grupo TAA+Vit.E (49,48±9,47 em 24h e 62,45±18,47 em 48h) relacionado ao grupo TAA (98,46±15,48 em 24h e 154,13±21,46 em 48h), assim como a GST (nmol/min/mg Prot) no grupo TAA+Vit.E (350,57±36,93 em 24h e 453,29±13,84 em 48h) comparado ao grupo TAA (561,57±64,56 em 24h e 673,43±38,13 em 48h). Houve aumento da CAT (pmol/min/mg Prot) no grupo TAA+Vit.E (3,40±0,44 em 24h e 3,01±0,35 em 48h) em relação ao grupo TAA (1,65±0,21 em 24h e 1,86±0,42 em 48h). A GPx (nmol/min/mg Prot) aumentou em 24h no grupo TAA+Vit.E (1,01±0,16) comparado ao grupo TAA (0,41±0,04) e diminuiu em 48h (1,19±0,17) em relação ao grupo TAA (1,76±0,21). Verificou-se redução nos níveis de NO 2 /NO 3 (mmol/L) no grupo TAA+Vit.E (31,47±4,26 em 24h e 38,93±5,20 em 48h) em relação ao grupo TAA (49,37±5,12 em 24h e 53,53±5,97 em 48h). A avaliação histopatológica mostrou diminuição da lesão hepática (necrose e inflamação) em ambas os tempos estudados. CONCLUSÃO Estes resultados sugerem que a vitamina E foi capaz de proteger o fígado de lesões causadas por tioacetamida.

Candesartan, rather than losartan, improves motor dysfunction in thioacetamide-induced chronic liver failure in rats

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is more common than the acute syndrome. Losartan, the first angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB), and candesartan, another widely-used ARB, have protected against developing fibrogenesis, but there is no clear data about their curative antifibrotic effects. The current study was designed to examine their effects in an already-established model of hepatic fibrosis and also their effects on the associated motor dysfunction. Low-grade chronic liver failure (CLF) was induced in 3-month old Sprague-Dawley male rats using thioacetamide (TAA, 50 mg·kg−1·day−1) intraperitoneally for 2 weeks. The TAA-CLF rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=8) treated orally for 14 days (mg·kg−1·day−1) as follows: TAA (distilled water), losartan (5 and 10 mg/kg), and candesartan (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg). Rats were tested for rotarod and open-field tests. Serum and hepatic biochemical markers, and hepatic histopathological changes were evaluated by H&E and Masson's staining. The TAA-CLF rats showed significant increases of hepatic malondialdehyde, hepatic expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and serum ammonia, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, TNF-α, and malondialdehyde levels as well as significant decreases of hepatic and serum glutathione levels. All treatments significantly reversed these changes. The histopathological changes were moderate in losartan-5 and candesartan-0.1 groups and mild in losartan-10 and candesartan-0.3 groups. Only candesartan significantly improved TAA-induced motor dysfunction. In conclusion, therapeutic antifibrotic effects of losartan and candesartan in thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats are possibly through angiotensin-II receptor blocking, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Improved motor dysfunction by candesartan could be attributed to better brain penetration and slower "off-rate" from angiotensin-II receptors. Clinical trials are recommended.

Analysis of the preventive and therapeutic effects of Taohe Chengqi decoction on a rat model of hepatic encephalopathy / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To analyze the preventive and therapeutic effects of a traditional Chinese medicine Taohe Chengqi decoction on a rat models of hepatic encephalopathy ( HE) induced by thioacetamide ( TAA) .Methods The rat model of HE was established by intraperitoneal injection of TAA,and the effects of Taohe Chengqi decoction were observed by neurobehavioral changes,neurological test,blood ammonia,serum biochemical indexes,and liver and brain pathological examination.Results The rat model of hepatic encephalopathy was successfully established.Low, medium and high dose Taohe Chengqi decoction markedly improved neuro-reflexes and liver and brain pathological damages, and significantly decreased the HE staging and serum biochemical indexes, and the results of high dose group was the best, similar to that of positive drug-treatment group.Conclusions Taohe Chengqi decoction exhibits promising preventive and therapeutic effects on the rat model of TAA-induced hepatic encephalopathy, and these results provide substantial experimetal evidence for its clinical application.

Antioxidant and Hypo-Ammonemic Activities of Alpha-Lactalbumin and Vitamin C in Thioacetamide-Induced Liver and Brain Damage in Rats.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a syndrome resulting from acute or chronic liver failure. The main hypothesis suggests a state of hyperammonemia which is responsible for both direct and indirect alterations in cerebral metabolism with increased production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The effect of milk-derived alpha-lactalbumin (α-LAC) and vitamin C (vit. C) was evaluated in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced HEmodel in the current study. Animals were treated with TAA (100 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline thrice weekly for six weeks to induce HE then treatment groups received orally α-LAC (100 or150 mg/kg) and /or vit. C (500 mg/kg)daily for two weeks. Twenty-four hours after last treatment sera, liver and brain samples were collected to assess serum ammonia level, activities of alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST), brain and liver oxidative stress parameters as well as histopathological investigations.TAA rats experienced increases in serum activities of ALT and AST as well as serum levels of ammonia. Furthermore, TAA induced hepatic and brain oxidative damage as indicated by increase in lipid peroxidation (LP), decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) and decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity as well as increased nitric oxide (NO) levels. TAA caused distortion of hepatic and brain architecture as shown by histopathological examination. Treatment with α-LAC either alone or combined with vit. C resulted in improved liver functions by decline in serum AST and ALT activities and reduction in serum ammonia level. Alpha-LAC and vit. C reduced LP and NO levels while increased GSH concentration and SOD activity in hepatic and brain tissues. Finally, α-LAC-vit. C combination improved the hepatic and brain histological picture. Alpha-LAC-vit. C combination may be a promising pharmacological tool in providing a natural source of branched-chain amino acids and powerful antioxidants to combat hepatic encephalopathy-associated hyperammonemia and its consequential oxidative damage in liver and brain.