Therapeutic Potential of Indian Mackerel against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats.

The present study was designed with an attempt to explore therapeutic potential of Indian mackerel against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatic damage in rats. Male Wistar albino rats (n=18), weighing about 150-200 g, were randomly assigned to 3 groups of six each. Rats of Group I (control) received 1% DMSO daily orally for 3 weeks and olive oil I/P twice a week in the 2nd and 3rd week. Group II and III received CCl₄ @ 1 mL/kg b.wt. in olive oil (1:1) I/P twice a week in 2^nd and 3rd week, whereas, Group III rats were also administered with fish extract @ 300 mg/kg b.wt. orally daily in 1% DMSO for 3 weeks. The extent of CCl₄ induced damage was measured by estimating ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin in serum, total protein and albumin in plasma, SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx and TBARS in liver tissue homogenate and histopathological examination of liver. CCl₄ induced oxidative damage was evidenced by elevated levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TBARS and reduced levels of GSH, SOD, CAT, GP_X and total protein. Treatment with fish extract along with CCl₄ led to reversal in the altered hepatic biomarkers and a significant reduction in the MDA levels, improvement in antioxidant markers when compared to CCl₄ induced hepatotoxic group. Thus, results of the present study indicated that fish extract offered protection against CCl₄-induced hepatic damage in rats due to its antioxidant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]