Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of fish oil on isoniazid-rifampin induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Abstract In the present study hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of fish oil (cod liver oil) against isoniazid and rifampin combination (INH-RMP)-induced toxicity was evaluated in rats. Administration of (50 mg INH + 100 mg RMP/kg/day, intraperitonially [i.p]) for 14 daysproducedliver injury that was evident from elevated levels of serum marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and histopathological changes. The drug treatment caused significant changes in the cellular redox status as reflected by about 75% decrease in the level of serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), a marked decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) level, an increased in lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the liver. Fish oil treatment (4 ml/kg/day, i.p.) 5–6 hrprior to (INH-RMP) dose, markedlyprevented the rise in serum enzymes levelselicited by the drugs. The histopathological alterations were also improved. Remarkably, there was a complete reversal of the changes in the levels of GSH and LPO, and partial recovery of TAC in the animals receiving fish oil along with (INH-RMP). These observations support the mechanistic role of strong antioxidant property of fish oil in the protection of hepatic injury. This study suggests the importance of fish oil as a hepatoprotective and antioxidant dietary supplement, particularly in the patients receiving anti-tubercular therapy which are at a risk of hepatotoxicity.