High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Paracetamol (PARA) is a widely used antipyretic and analgesic drug; however, overdose is a major cause of hepatotoxicity. Although N -acetylcysteine (NAC) is the standard antidote, its limitations necessitate the investigation of alternative therapeutic approaches. Artemisinin (ART), a natural compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, was evaluated for its hepatoprotective potential in a paracetamol-induced acute liver injury model. Biochemical liver function parameters (ALT, AST), oxidative stress markers (SOD, GSH, MDA), molecular markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, NF-κB, CYP2E1 mRNA expression), and histopathological changes were assessed using spectrophotometric assays, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and histological staining methods. PARA administration significantly increased ALT and AST levels compared to the CONTROL group ( p < 0.001). Among the treatment groups, PARA + ART 14 significantly reduced these enzyme levels compared to the PARA group ( p < 0.001). ART treatment also increased antioxidant parameters (SOD, GSH) and decreased MDA levels compared to the PARA group ( p < 0.001), with effects comparable to PARA + NAC. Inflammation- and oxidative stress-related gene expressions were significantly elevated in the PARA group versus CONTROL ( p < 0.001), whereas PARA + ART 14 significantly downregulated all markers ( p < 0.001). Histopathological findings supported the biochemical and molecular results, showing partial improvement in PARA + ART 7 and more pronounced recovery in PARA + ART 14, while no significant improvement was observed in PARA + ART 35. These findings suggest that ART may exert dose-dependent hepatoprotective effects against paracetamol-induced liver injury by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal therapeutic dose and confirm its clinical potential.
Kurt et al. (Wed,) studied this question.