Effects of N-acetyl cysteine on oxidative stress and TNF-α gene expression in diclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as diclofenac, can lead to hepatotoxicity. In the present study, protective effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on diclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity was investigated. Thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 (control group) was treated with normal saline (1 ml/kg, i.p.) for 4 d. Group 2 (test without treatment) received diclofenac only (50 mg/kg, i.p.) for 4 d. Groups 3 and 4 received diclofenac (50mg/kg, i.p.)plus NAC (150mg/kg, p.o) and silymarin (100mg/kg, p.o) for 4 d, respectively. At the end of experiment, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lipid profile, uric acid, protein carbonyl content, MDA, liver TNF-alpha, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, liver catalase, superoxide dismutase, vitamin C, and histopathological examination were done. In group 2, diclofenac caused a significant increase (p<. 05) in the levels of serum ALP, GOT, GPT, TNF-alpha, uric acid, protein carbonyl content, MDA, and liver TNF-alpha gene expression as opposed to group 1. In treated groups with NAC and silymarin, a significant reduction (p<. 05) was seen in all above mentioned parameters as well as improved liver histopathological changes compared with group 2. This study confirmed the protective effect of NAC on diclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity in rats due to not only reduces liver inflammatory cells, TNF-alpha, serum MDA, and PC but also through increases liver vitamin C, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities.