Hepatoprotective Effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine against Ammonium Nitrate-Induced Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar

Abstract

Background: Ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is an important component of fertilizers; excessive buildup of NH₄NO₃ from industrial and occupational exposure can alter the antioxidant system and induce oxidative stress, which can impair liver functions. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutritional supplement. This study evaluated hepatoprotective activities of N-acetyl cysteine in male Wistar rats exposed to ammonium nitrate.

Materials and Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were grouped into four consisting of five rats in each group. The groups are control, NH₄NO₃ (300mg/kg), NAC (50mg/kg), and NH₄NO₃ + NAC. The administrations of NH₄NO₃ and NAC were via oral gavage for 36 days. The liver functions: alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), liver antioxidant and oxidant markers were evaluated spectrophotometrically. The liver histology was done.

Results: The study showed an observable increase in serum ALP, ACP, LDH, ALT, AST activities, and liver oxidative markers (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and reactive nitrogen species) in the NH₄NO₃ group. There is a depletion of antioxidant markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, thiol, and total antioxidant capacity) in the NH₄NO₃-treated group. Furthermore, the NH₄NO₃ group liver histology shows scarring around the central vein with infiltration of inflammatory cells, with evidence of perisinusoidal fibrosis and periportal fibrosis. Treatment with NAC effectively prevents NH₄NO₃ from elevating liver function enzyme activities, oxidative markers, and modulating antioxidant markers. Also, NH₄NO₃ + NAC group shows few scarring around the central vein, the morphology of the hepatocytes and sinusoids appear normal, with a few indications of perisinusoidal fibrosis.

Conclusion/Recommendations: The findings suggest that N-acetyl cysteine stabilizes liver free radicals, reduces liver function enzyme activities, enhances endogenous antioxidant activities, and prevents liver damage in Wistar rats exposed to ammonium nitrate.