Reversal of Experimental Ethanol-induced Liver Steatosis by Borage Oil

The aim of study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of borage oil containing predominantly gamma-linolenic acid in rats with alcoholic steatohepatitis. Liver of ethanol-treated animals was characterized by fatty and hydropic dystrophies. Liver triglyceride contents and activitiies of serum marker enzymes were significantly increased. Ethanol increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH)-induced chemiluminescence and the contents of liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The reduced glutathione content in the liver was decreased. Ethanol enhanced liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 (CYP450) content, aniline p-hydroxylase and amydopyrine-N-demethylase activities. The treatment with borage oil improved the liver morphology, decreased triglyceride contents and normalized serum marker enzyme activities. Borage oil developed an antioxidant effect in ethanol-treated rats. The treatment with this compound decreased NADPH-induced chemiluminescence and the content of lipid peroxidation products. Borage oil normalized CYP450 content compared with the ethanol-treated group. CYPI450 2E1 isoform is a main source of free oxygen radicals in the liver of ethanol-treated rats and we propose that the antioxidant effect of borage oil is realized via the normalization of CYP450 content and activities of CYP450-related microsomal oxidases, as borage oil can improve the lipid surrounding of CYP450. In our opinion, the hepatoprotection by borage oil in alcoholic steatosis is connected with its antioxidant properties. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.