Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
11:36
Induction of Drug-Induced, Autoimmune Hepatitis in BALB/c Mice for the Study of Its Pathogenic Mechanisms
Published on: May 29, 2020
3.4K
Creatine supplementation exacerbates ethanol-induced hepatic damage in mice
Poliana Camila Marinello1, P S Cella2, M T J Testa2
1State University of Londrina, Department of Physical Education, Londrina-PR, Brazil; State University of Londrina, Department of Pathological Sciences, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|July 3, 2019
Summary
Creatine supplementation worsened alcohol-induced liver damage in mice, contrary to expectations. This study reveals creatine interferes with alcohol metabolism and oxidative stress, exacerbating liver injury.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Alcohol-induced liver damage is a significant health concern.
- Creatine is known for its protective effects in various injury models, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of creatine supplementation on early stages of ethanol-induced hepatic damage.
- To determine if creatine influences alcohol metabolism and oxidative stress pathways in the liver.
Main Methods:
- Male Swiss mice were divided into control, ethanol, and ethanol with creatine groups.
- Diets were administered for 14 and 28 days, followed by liver and blood sample collection.
- Histologic, biochemical, and molecular analyses were performed on liver tissues.
Main Results:
- Ethanol intake caused mild liver degeneration, oxidative lesions, and inflammation.
- Creatine supplementation exacerbated cell degeneration and fat accumulation in the liver.
- Creatine increased hepatic gene expression related to ethanol metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation, elevating plasma alanine aminotransferase levels.
Conclusions:
- Creatine supplementation combined with ethanol interferes with alcohol metabolism and oxidative stress.
- This combination exacerbates ethanol-induced hepatic damage, contrary to previously observed protective effects of creatine.
- New findings highlight potential risks of creatine in the context of alcohol consumption and liver injury.
Related Concept Videos
01:08Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment
261
Hepatic impairment, characterized by decreased liver function, does not uniformly mandate adjustments in drug dosage. Whether dosage modifications are necessary depends on various factors related to the drug's metabolism and elimination pathways. If a drug is primarily excreted via the kidneys and bypasses significant hepatic processing, if it undergoes minimal metabolic transformation in the liver, or if it is volatile and primarily expelled through the lungs, dose adjustments may not be...
261
01:21Hepatic Portal System
5.6K
The hepatic portal system, a critical part of our circulatory framework, transports nutrient-laden, deoxygenated blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. This ingenious system plays an indispensable role in maintaining our body's metabolic equilibrium.
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is...
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is...
5.6K
01:26Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
219
Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug...
219
01:16Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors
539
The biliary system of the liver, crucial for bile secretion and drug excretion, comprises intrahepatic bile ducts that merge to form the common hepatic duct. This duct, carrying hepatic bile, combines with the cystic duct, draining the gallbladder and forming the common bile duct, which empties into the duodenum. Bile, produced by hepatic cells lining the bile canaliculi, is composed primarily of water, bile salts, pigments, electrolytes, and lesser amounts of cholesterol and fatty acids. Bile...
539
01:14Hepatic Drug Clearance: Role of Transporters
304
In the liver and bile canaliculi, influx and efflux transporters modification can influence intrinsic clearance. Transporters play a significant role in moving drugs within liver cells. Elaborate models, such as the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS), are essential to relate transporters to drug disposition. This system categorizes drugs into four classes based on solubility and permeability, providing insights into elimination routes and the effects of transporters following oral...
304
02:36DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
3.1K
In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
3.1K