A Nutrient Mixture Prevents Acetaminophen Hepatic and Renal Toxicity in ICR Mice.

Human and Experimental Toxicology 2008; 27(3): 223-230

Abstract: Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is often fatal, leading fulminant hepatic and renal tubular necrosis, in humans and animals. We studied the effect of a nutrient mixture (NM) containing, among other nutrients, lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, and green tea extract, which has previously been demonstrated to exhibit a broad spectrum of therapeutic properties on APAP-induced hepatic and renal damage in ICR (Imprinting Control Region) mice.

Seven-week-old male ICR mice were divided into four groups (A-D) of five animals each. Groups  A and C mice were fed a regular duet for 2 weeks, while groups B and D mice were supplemented with 0.5% NM (w/w) during that period. Groups A and B received saline i.p., while groups C and D received APAP (600mg/kg) i.p. All animals were killed 24 h after APAP administration. Serum was collected to assess the liver and kidney functions, and the liver and kidneys were excised for histology. Mean serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), creatinine and BUN/creatinine ratios were comparable in groups A and B, increased markedly in groups C and significantly lower in group D, compared with group C. APAP caused significant centrilobular necrosis and glomerular damage in un-supplemented animals, while NM prevented these alterations. The results indicate that NM has potential to protect against APA induced liver and kidney damage.

Key Words
Acetaminophen, APAP, hepatic, nutrients, renal toxicity

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