Protective Role Of Α-Tocopherol And Ascorbic Acid Supplementation On Halofantrine - Induced Hepatotoxicity In Rats

Abstract

In this study, the antioxidative potential of α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid was assessed in halofantrine-induced hepatotoxic rats. On administration of halofantrine (60mg/kg/day) for 14 days, the activities of serum hepatospecific makers like aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and the level of bilirubin were significantly increased with significant increase in plasma and liver lipid peroxidation marker (malondialdehyde, MDA). The levels of non-enzymic antioxidants; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also decreased in halofantrine-induced hepatotoxic rats. On administration of vitamin C (20mg/kg/day) vitamin E. (0.6mg/kg/day) and combined vitamin C and E for 14 days in halofantrineadministered rats, the activities of the serum hepatospecific markers significantly decreased. In addition the non-enzymic and enzymic antioxidants increased on treatment with vitamin C, E and (C and E). On the basis of our results we conclude that halofantrine can induce hepatocellular and oxidative damage in rats and that supplementation of vitamin C and E are not only useful in controlling hepatocellular damage but are also useful in controlling the lipid peroxide levels and strengthening the antioxidant potential in this halofantrine-induced hepatotoxic rats.