Inflection of Oxidative Status of Nepthalene Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Numbers of therapeutic strategies are being used to target aberrant pathways involved in malignant cell proliferation and survival. The increasing side effects and evolution of resistant population has driven scientists to device newer and targeted therapeutic options to be used. Aim: To investigate the hepatotoxic effect of intraperitoneal administration of naphthalene derivatives in mice. Methods: Naphthalene derivative (Naphthoquinone) was dissolved in DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) and given to the white albino mice to compare it with control group after 30 days of administration. The fifteen mice used for the experiment were divided into 3 groups (A, B, C). Group B and C received 50 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg per body weight intraperitoneally respectively, whereas control group (A) received no drug. Biochemical assessment of ALT, AST, ALP, Albumin, Cholesterol and triglycerides were done by kit method, histological analysis was done and stress markers (MDA, GSH, SOD, and Catalase) were analyzed using spectrophotometer. Results: Naphthalene derivative toxicity was observed as the result showed that mean serum ALT, AST and ALP level were higher in mice administered naphthalene derivative as compared to control group. In addition, histological changes such as inflammation leading to cirrhosis were seen in liver on different doses, other biomarkers of toxic effects include glutathione depletion, lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Conclusion: We concluded that naphthalene derivatives metabolism triggers production of ROS, coupled with impaired oxidant/antioxidant balance, leading to a state of oxidative-stress that could have been partially responsible for the slight hepatotoxicity and the disturbance in the level of hepatic enzymes seen in this study. Therefore, a possible conclusion that such biochemical changes observed in these experimental animals may be seen in human beings is undeniable so naphthalene derivatives may have more toxic effects than therapeutic effects.