Hepatoprotective Effects of Chitosan on Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Toxicity in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Chitosan, a natural product derived from chitin, has attracted much attention as a promising polysaccharide compound, owing to its unique biological activities. This study was designed to explore the possible improving potential of chitosan, as a natural marine product, on liver regeneration in hepatotoxicity induced by thioacetamide in male albino rats. Fifty animals were divided into 5 groups, including the control group; a group which was injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of thioacetamide(300 mg/kg b. wt) for induction of liver toxicity; a group received a diet containing 5% chitosan for 14 days; a group received a diet containing 5% chitosan for 14 days then they were injected with thioacetamide(300 mg/kg b. wt) once, and the last group which was injected with thioacetamide(300 mg/kg b. wt) once then received a diet containing 5% chitosan for 14 days. The biochemical results revealed that the intake of chitosan before or after thioacetamide intoxication improved liver markers (ALAT, ASAT, GGT, ALP, albumin) and kidney functions and also plasma TNF-α. QRT- PCR analysis revealed that chitosan downregulated hepatic TNF-α, survivin, and c-Myc quantitative gene expression. Moreover, chitosan improved the histological picture of the liver. This study indicated the promising action of chitosan in liver regeneration.