Protective effect of diphenyl diselenide on acute liver damage induced by 2-nitropropane in rats

The effect of diphenyl diselenide, (PhSe)2, administration on 2-nitropropane (2-NP)-induced hepatic damage was examined in male rats. Rats were pre-treated with a single dose of diphenyl diselenide (10, 50 or 100 micromol/kg). Afterward, they received only one dose of 2-NP (100 mg/kg body weight dissolved in olive oil). The parameters that indicate tissue damage such as plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), creatinine and urea were determined. Since toxicity induced by 2-NP is related to oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation was also evaluated. Diphenyl diselenide (100 micromol/kg) significantly reduced plasma ALT, gamma-GGT, AFP levels when compared to 2-NP group. Treatment with diphenyl diselenide, at all doses, effectively protects the increase of lipid peroxidation when compared to 2-NP group. Histological examination revealed that 2-NP treatment causes a moderate swelling and degenerative alterations on hepatocytes and diphenyl diselenide (100 micromol/kg) protects against these alterations. Diphenyl diselenide (50 and 100 micromol/kg) significantly decreased the urea level. This study evidences the protective effect of diphenyl diselenide by 2-NP-induced acute hepatic damage.