Hepatic actions of progestogenic steroids

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Hepatology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Oral progestogens are widely used.
• Hepatic function can be affected by various factors.
• Carbon tetrachloride is a known hepatotoxin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of norethisterone and d-norgestrel on hepatic functions in rats.
• To determine if these progestogens could mitigate carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage.

Main Methods:

• Administration of norethisterone and d-norgestrel to CFY female rats.
• Assessment of cytochrome-P-450 activity.
• Measurement of serum bilirubin and cholylglycine levels.
• Analysis of liver protein and glycogen content.
• Evaluation of liver function following chronic carbon tetrachloride exposure.

Main Results:

• Both progestogens inhibited cytochrome-P-450 dependent mixed function monooxygenases in healthy rats.
• Serum bilirubin and cholylglycine levels remained normal.
• Norethisterone did not affect liver protein or glycogen, while d-norgestrel reduced liver glycogen.
• Significant improvement in liver function was observed when progestogens were administered concurrently with carbon tetrachloride.

Conclusions:

• Progestogens, norethisterone and d-norgestrel, inhibit mixed function monooxygenases.
• This inhibition may reduce the formation of hepatotoxic free radicals.
• These progestogens demonstrate a protective effect on liver function, especially against chemical-induced damage.