Role of β-carotene against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Acetaminophen in toxic doses is associated with extensive hepatic damage. This represents one of the common causes of morbidity and mortality in drug poisoning cases. The Present study was undertaken to investigate the possible hepatoprotective action of beta-carotene. Aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulphide (GSSG) levels were taken as endpoints. Ten days oral administration with beta-carotene (30 mg/Kg body weight) followed by an acute treatment with acetaminophen (400 mg/kg b.w.) inhibited the acetaminophen-induced augmented level of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, diene conjugates and hydroproxides), GSSG, AST and ALT. Acetaminophen-induced depletion of GSH and GSH-Px was ameliorated significantly by beta-carotene administration. Results indicate the hepatoprotective properties of beta-carotene against acetaminophen. The findings support the results showing beta-carotene as a free radical scavenger and singlet oxygen quencher. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.