The aim of this paper is to assess the antioxidant properties of rat liver in the course of acute and chronic fasciolosis. Wistar rats were infected per os with 30 metacercariae of Fasciola hepatica. Liver activities of antioxidant enzymes and concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants were determined at 4, 7, and 10 weeks post-infection. Activities of superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione reductase (GSSG-R) were decreased, catalase (CAT) activity was increased and non-enzymatic antioxidant concentrations (reduced glutathione, vitamins C, E and A) were reduced simultaneously with enhancement of lipid peroxidation processes as evidenced by increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). Changes in the antioxidant abilities of the liver and in the phospholipid structure of the cell membrane were accompanied by rising activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as markers of liver damage.

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The aim of this paper was to assess the influence of Fasciola hepatica infection on oxidative modifications of rat liver cell components such as proteins and lipids. Wistar rats were infected per os with 30 metacercariae of F. hepatica. Activities and concentrations of liver damage markers were determined in the 4th, 7th, and 10th week postinfection (wpi). A decrease in antioxidant capacity of the host liver, manifested by a decrease in total antioxidant status (TAS), was observed. Diminution of antioxidant abilities resulted in enhanced oxidative modifications of lipids and proteins. F. hepatica infection enhanced lipid peroxidation, which was visible in the statistically significant increase in the level of different lipid peroxidation products such as conjugated dienes (CDs), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). The level of protein modification markers in the rat liver was also significantly changed and the most intensified changes were observed at seventh week postinfection. Concentration of carbonyl groups and dityrosine was significantly increased, whereas the level of tryptophan and sulfhydryl and amino groups was decreased. Changes in the antioxidant abilities of the liver and in the lipid and protein structure of the cell components resulted in destruction of the function of the liver. F. hepatica infection was accompanied by raising serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as markers of liver damage. A significant decrease in lysosomal as well as in the total activity of cathepsin B during fasciolosis was also observed.

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