Abstract
Acute liver injury is a challenging clinical problem. Luteolin (Lut] is a natural herbal flavonoid.The current study investigated Let's protective effect against thioacetamide (TAA) induced acute hepatotoxicty. Thirty male adult albino rats were allocated into five groups (n=6). Group I: received saline, and served as control. Group II: received a single intraperitoneal (IP) dose of TAA (500mg/kg) and sacrificed 24 hours later. Group Ill was supplemented with oral Lut (50mg/kg) for 2 weeks. Group IV: given Lut (50mg/kg) for 2 weeks, then given the same doses of TAA. Group V received oral metformin (250mg/kg) for 2 weeks, then given same TAA dose. Body and liver weights were recorded. Sera liver enzymes were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were assayed in liver homogenate. Liver tissues were examined histologically. Results showed that TAA caused significant decline in body weight gain, and increased in liver index. In TAA group, serumalanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase,total bilirubin and MDA were increased while total protein, albumin and GSH were decreased. Histopathology showed centrilobular necrosis. Altered parameters were partially improved by Lut. In conclusion, Lut provided potential protection against TAA induced hepatotoxicity, and may need longer duration or high dose to provide effective prophylaxis.