Effect of Microbially Synthesized Eicosapentaenoic Acid on Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxicity

Objective: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) from fish oil is known to have numerous health benefits including antiinflammatory and antioxidant actions. With the intention of producing an alternative source to fish EPA, we have microbially synthesized EPA (mEPA) from rice bran oil, spectroscopically analysed and was pharmacologically evaluated. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of mEPA on various hepatic enzyme biomarkers in experimentally induced hepatotoxicity. Methods: Animals were divided into 7 groups of six animals each; control being treated with vehicle, another group with standard (Silymarin; 25 mg/kg per day, p.o.); 3 groups with mEPA (5, 10 and 50 mg/kg p. o.) and one with fish oil (1 g/ kg p. o.) for 15 days. The hepatotoxicity was induced in all groups except control by single dose of CCl4 mixed with olive oil as vehicle in 1:1 ratio (3 ml/kg of rat body weight) on 5th day. Biochemical assays for SGOT, SGPT, ALP and total bilirubin were performed using serum samples. The histopathology of liver of all groups was carried out to compare the pathological changes. Results: The serum levels of SGPT, SGPT, ALP and total bilirubin were found to be increased in the CCl4 induced hepatotoxic sham control group which were significantly lowered down in the treated groups. The treatment with 50 mg/ kg dose has shown maximum inhibition in enzyme levels and regenerative changes with maintained hepatic architecture compared with standard and fish oil. Conclusion: Thus, microbially synthesized EPA from rice bran oil has shown promising hepato-protective effect and can fulfil the need of alternative source of EPA to fish oil.