Effect of ascorbic acid on aflatoxin B[1] induced chronic hepatotoxicity: an experimental study

ABSTRACT

This study was done to evaluate the effect of chronic Aflatoxin B[1] [AFB[1]] administration on the liver of albino rats and to investigate the role of ascorbic acid as a protective agent. It was carried out on 90 male adult albino rats weighing 150-200 gms and divided into 6 numerically equal groups each group consists of 15 rats. First group [-ve control group] untreated animals, second group received olive oil, third group received ascorbic acid, fourth group received distilled water. Both second, third and fourth groups were served as +ve controls. Fifth group received AFB[1] and sixth group received ascobic acid prior to AFBJ. After 12 weeks of treatment all animals were sacrified and blood was collected to investigate the liver functions [ALT, AST, serum billirubin and alkaline phosphatase]. Liver sections of different groups were examined histopathologicaly using light microscope. The results revealed that the levels of liver functions in AFB[1] group were significantly higher than the control groups. In rats which received ascorbic acid prior to AFB[1], the levels of liver functions were significantly reduced to more or less the levels of the control groups. Light microscopic examination of the control groups demonstrated the normal hepatic structure. Histopathological examination of liver specimens of AFB[1] treated rats group showed vacular degeneration, focal necrosis, fatty changes, kupffer cell hyperplasia and portal infiltration and these harmful effects were reduced in rats group treated by ascorbic acid prior to the administration of AFB[1]. In conclusion this work showed that liver damage of rats treated with AFB[1] is associated with biochemical elevation of liver functions and confirmed by histopathological changes. Ascorbic acid can be considered as a potential antidote against the harmful effect of AFB[1] on liver