Liver Fatty Acid Binding Protein And Hemojuvelin - Potential Biomarkers For Liver Function in Rat Model

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Hepatology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Hepatotoxicity is a concern with combined drug therapies.
• Liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) and hemojuvelin (HJV) are emerging biomarkers for liver injury.
• Investigating non-invasive biomarkers like salivary L-FABP and HJV is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if co-administration of aripiprazole and fluoxetine impairs liver function in Wistar rats.
• To assess serum and salivary levels of L-FABP and HJV as indicators of liver function.
• To evaluate the correlation between serum and salivary L-FABP and HJV levels.

Main Methods:

• Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, aripiprazole, fluoxetine, and aripiprazole + fluoxetine.
• Drugs were administered daily via gavage for six weeks.
• Serum and salivary levels of L-FABP and HJV, along with serum ASAT and ALAT, were measured.

Main Results:

• Significant positive correlations were observed between serum and salivary L-FABP and HJV levels.
• The aripiprazole + fluoxetine group showed increased serum L-FABP but decreased serum and salivary HJV, ASAT, and ALAT compared to monotherapy groups.
• Salivary L-FABP was higher in the combination group compared to aripiprazole alone.

Conclusions:

• Co-administration of aripiprazole and fluoxetine did not result in additional liver function alterations in rats.
• Serum and salivary L-FABP and HJV show potential as biomarkers for hepatocyte dysfunction.
• Salivary L-FABP and HJV measurements may serve as a non-invasive alternative to serum testing.