Ameliorative effects of berberine and selenium against paracetamol-induced hepatic toxicity in rats

Abstract

Background: Paracetamol (PCM) overdosing induces hepatotoxicity, which can result in death if the dose is high enough and the patients are not given N-acetyl cysteine. Berberine (BBR) has a variety of biological proprieties including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Aim: Assessment of the potential effect of BBR and selenium when used alone or together on the paracetamol–induced acute hepatic toxicity in rats. Methods: This research involved 40 clinically healthy mature adult male albino rats, their weights ranged from 150-200 g and housed in standard conditions. Our study involved evaluating the potential effect of BBR and selenium when used alone or together on the paracetamol–induced acute hepatic toxicity via estimation of the liver function tests, determination of the antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation markers, immune-modulatory effects, liver histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Results: Co-treatment of BBR (150 mg/kg BW) with selenium (5 mg/kg BW) showed significant improvement in the liver function parameters, the antioxidant enzyme activities, reduction in the nitric oxide, lysozyme, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 levels, and marked elevation in the IgM levels. Conclusion: Altogether, BBR, Selenium or both augment antioxidant activity and alleviate the paracetamol-induced hepatic toxicity.