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Updated: May 31, 2026
Inducing Acute Liver Injury in Rats via Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) Exposure Through an Orogastric Tube
Published on: April 28, 2020
Protective effect of Diyarbakır watermelon juice on carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in rats
Sevcan Altaş1, Göksel Kızıl, Murat Kızıl
1Dicle University, Faculty of Science, Chemistry Department, 21280 Diyarbakır, Turkey.
Abstract:
The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Diyarbakır watermelon (Citrullus lanatus cv. Sürme) juice on lipid peroxidation states in rat liver, kidney and brain. In vivo administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) once a week for 28 days caused a significant elevation of serum markers of liver damage, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB) and decrease in albumin when compared to the control group. However, administration of carbon tetrachloride along with watermelon juice or ursodeoxycolic acid (UDCA) significantly reduces these changes. Increased lipid peroxide (LPO) level was observed in the liver, kidney and brain tissues after CCl(4) administration. However, watermelon juice and UDCA treatment prevented the increase in LPO. The results indicated that watermelon juice protects the liver, kidney and brain tissues from experimental CCl(4) toxicity in rats and that the protective effect of watermelon juice may be due to its antioxidant activity and inhibition of lipid peroxide formation. In conclusion, present study reveals biological evidence that supports the use of watermelon juice in the treatment of chemical-induced hepatotoxicity.
Insights
Diyarbakır watermelon juice protected rat liver, kidney, and brain tissues from carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) toxicity. This antioxidant effect may inhibit lipid peroxide formation, supporting watermelon juice for treating chemical-induced liver damage.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) is a known hepatotoxin that induces oxidative stress.
- Lipid peroxidation is a key mechanism in CCl(4)]-induced organ damage.
- Watermelon juice possesses potential antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of Diyarbakır watermelon (Citrullus lanatus cv. Sürme) juice against CCl(4)]-induced toxicity in rat liver, kidney, and brain.
- To investigate the impact of watermelon juice on lipid peroxidation markers.
- To compare the efficacy of watermelon juice with ursodeoxycolic acid (UDCA).
Main Methods:
- Rats were administered CCl(4) weekly for 28 days to induce toxicity.
- Serum markers of liver damage (AST, ALT, total bilirubin, albumin) were measured.
- Lipid peroxide (LPO) levels in liver, kidney, and brain tissues were assessed.
- Rats were co-treated with watermelon juice or UDCA.
Main Results:
- CCl(4)] administration significantly elevated liver damage markers and LPO levels in all tested organs.
- Co-administration of watermelon juice or UDCA significantly reduced liver damage markers and prevented the increase in LPO.
- Watermelon juice demonstrated a protective effect comparable to UDCA.
Conclusions:
- Diyarbakır watermelon juice exhibits significant protective effects against CCl(4)]-induced toxicity in rat liver, kidney, and brain.
- The protective mechanism is likely attributed to its antioxidant activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.
- These findings provide biological evidence supporting the use of watermelon juice in managing chemical-induced hepatotoxicity.
