Beneficial effects of melatonin on acetylsalicylic acid induced liver damage in rats

Abstract

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.

Oxidative-antioxidative status and hepatic and renal factors following melatonin administration in castrated and intact dogs

“…This was compensated by the melatonin administration in the Cast+Mel group. In other studies, melatonin has shown to protect liver against chemical and diet-induced hepatic damages and oxidative stress following ovariectomy [11–15]. Castration, as a surgical procedure, induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and long-time adverse effects, which could be reversed by the administration of melatonin [8, 15, 21, 25, 31].…”

“…Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is markedly elevated in response to cholestasis. The hepatoprotective effects of melatonin, such as acetylsalicylic acid-induced liver damage in rats [11], rats fed with a high-fat ratio [12], hepatic necrosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats [13], and tramadol-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats [14], have been confirmed in experimental studies. Oxidative stress and inflammation induced during aging in the liver have been more marked in castrated than in the intact female rats.…”