Protection from acetaminophen "paracetamol"-induced liver damage by the synergistic action of fructose and D-penicillamine in male albino rats: a biochemical and histological study

ABSTRACT

Toxic doses of acetaminophen [paracetamol] destroy the cellular defense system in hepatic tissue. This represents one of the common causes of morbidity and mnortality in drug poisoning cases. This study was undertaken to investiage the possible potentiation of the hepato-protective action of D-penicillamine by fruclose. The effects of D-penicillamine, fructose and the two in combination -administered both after ' -hour and 3-hurs post-paracetamol dose- were investigated in adult male albino rats 24 hours after treatment with a single oral dose of paracetamol [750 mg/kg.] The extent of paracetamol-induced hepatic toxicity was evaluated by liover weights, serum levels of hepatic function tests and glutathione, as well as liver histology. Either D-penicillamine or fructose caused a partial improvement of liver weights, plasma concentrations of liver function activities, and liver morphology. In addition, they increased the serum concentrations of glutathione. However, concomitant administration of D-penicillamine and fructose produced a marked reduction in liver weight, plasma, total bilirubin, transminases and alkaline phosphatase activities to with the normal range, while significantly raised the serum levels of glutathione and albumin concentrat ion to values close to those measured in the control animals, particularly in these animals receiving this combination after 1/2-hour of paracetamol treatment. It is therefore concluded that D-penicillamine and fructose may have an additive hepato-protective action in the treatment of paracetamol overdose. A further advantage of the new compound is the protective effect within somewhat a longer durat ion after the onset of intoxication