Hepato- and hemato-protective properties of α-ketoglutarate under the combined effect of water-immobilization and emotional stress

Abstract

This article presents the results of the combined effect of water-immobilization and emotional stress on haematological and morphological parameters of blood and liver status of rats in conditions of correction of the disorders using by α-ketoglutarate. Experimental combined stress was induced by the interchangeable effect of dry immobilization and immersion in water for 3 days under constant illumination using an artificial lighting lamp of 1,000 lux., thus achieving a combined effect of stress. Physiological adaptation and administration of 5 mg/kg of body weight of α-ketoglutarate lasted 14 days after stress induction. Haematological parameters were determined using the Automated Veterinary Hematology Analyzer PCE 90 Vet (High Technology Inc., USA), while biochemical parameters of the liver state were determined by spectrophotometric and colourimetric methods. The obtained results showed an increase in hemolysis, which was determined by a decrease in the number of erythrocytes and haemoglobin concentration in the blood of rats under the effect of the stress factors studied. A negative consequence of strengthening of hemolysis is the development of hypoxia in the liver, which causes the slowing of metabolic processes in its cells. As a result, there is an accumulation of partially oxidized products: lactate and pyruvate, increased formation of TBA-active products, and oxidative modification of proteins. During the 14 days of physiological adaptation after stress, the main indicators of blood and liver status of the rats were partially restored. A stronger recovery of redox status and improvement of the physiological state of the liver and, hence, haematological parameters, were noted for rats that received α-ketoglutarate for 14 days after stress. The revealed general positive trend indicates the stimulation of adaptation processes and the overall functioning of the antioxidant system of the liver of rats in the use of α-ketoglutarate against the background of the combined effects of water-immobilization and emotional stress.