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Effect of Methylsulfonylmethane Pretreatment on Aceta-minophen Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Shahab Bohlooli1, Sadollah Mohammadi, Keyvan Amirshahrokhi
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
Objective(S):
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing compound found in a wide range of human foods including fruits, vegetables, grains and beverages. In this study the effect of MSM pretreatment on acetaminophen induced liver damage was investigated.
Materials And Methods:
Male Sprague Dawley rats were pretreated with 100 mg/kg MSM for one week. On day seven rats were received acetaminophen (850 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). Twenty-four hours later, blood samples were taken to determine serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Tissue samples of liver were also taken for the determination of the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA); total glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity together with histopathological observations.
Results:
High dose of acetaminophen administration caused a significant decrease in the GSH level of the liver tissue, which was accompanied with a decrease in SOD activity and increases in tissue MDA level and MPO activity. Serum ALT, AST levels were also found elevated in the acetaminophen-treated group. Pretreatment with MSM for one week was significantly attenuated all of these biochemical indices.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that MSM pretreatment could alleviate hepatic injury induced by acetaminophen intoxication, may be through its sulfur donating and antioxidant effects.
Insights
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) pretreatment protected against acetaminophen-induced liver damage. MSM supplementation reduced liver injury markers and oxidative stress, suggesting a protective role against drug-induced hepatotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound found in various foods.
- Acetaminophen overdose is a common cause of acute liver injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of MSM pretreatment against acetaminophen-induced liver damage in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- Rats were pretreated with MSM (100 mg/kg) for one week.
- Acetaminophen (850 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally.
- Liver enzymes (ALT, AST), oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, SOD), and MPO activity were assessed. Histopathological analysis was performed.
Main Results:
- Acetaminophen administration significantly increased liver injury markers and oxidative stress.
- MSM pretreatment significantly attenuated these biochemical changes.
- Histopathological examination supported the protective effects of MSM.
Conclusions:
- MSM pretreatment demonstrates significant hepatoprotective effects against acetaminophen-induced liver injury.
- These effects may be attributed to MSM's sulfur-donating and antioxidant properties.
