We investigated the effects of acute high doses of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on liver tissue and the protective and therapeutic effects of melatonin on ASA related damage. Forty rats were randomly divided into five groups of eight: group 1, control; group 2, administered 200 mg/kg ASA; group 3, administered 5 mg/kg melatonin 45 min before ASA; group 4, administered 5 mg/kg melatonin 45 min after ASA; group 5, administered 5 mg/kg melatonin. We measured malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO) aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in the liver. ASA treatment significantly increased MDA and MPO production, whereas it significantly decreased levels of SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH in the liver. Melatonin significantly decreased MDA and MPO production, whereas it caused increased levels of antioxidants. AST and ALT levels were higher after ASA treatment, whereas these levels were reduced significantly after melatonin administration. Our histopathological findings, including apoptosis, were consistent with the biochemical results. Melatonin exhibits beneficial effects against high dose ASA induced hepatotoxicity.
Key words: Acetylsalicylic acid, liver, melatonin, oxidative stress, rat.
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