Protective Effect of Astaxanthin Against Aluminum Induced Liver Oxidative Damage

Abstract

In this study, protective effect of a potent antioxidant astaxanthine on preventing rat liver damage due to Al exposure was evaluated. In experimental design, 20 Wistar-albino rats were divided into four groups as Control, Aluminum (20 mg/kg/day i.p), Al + Astaxanthine (5 mg/kg/day AST orally, Al 20 mg/kg/day i.p) and AST (5 mg/kg/day). Study was conducted for 14 days. GSH was found significantly low in Al group compared to control and significantly high in AST and AST + Al administered groups compared to Al group(p<0.01). When MDA levels were investigated, an increase in Al administered group compared to control (p<0.01) and a decrease in Al + AST group compared to Al administered group (p<0.001) was found. In CAT enzyme activity level, a significant decrease in Al, AST and Al + AST administered groups compared to control (p<0.001), an increase in AST, Al + AST groups compared to Al administered group (p<0.001) and also an increase in CAT enzyme activity level in AST+Al administered group compared to AST group (p<0.001) was determined. Due to alterations in MDA and GSH levels and CAT enzyme activity in rat liver tissue as well as positive effects of AST in liver tissue histopathological assessments, it was concluded that AST has a protective role against such toxic molecules.