Assessment of Paracetamol Toxicity in The Presence of Sugar in Rat

Paracetamol (PCM)–induced hepatotoxicity is a major cause of drug-related liver injury, while the role of dietary sugar in modulating this toxicity remains unclear. This study evaluated the dose-dependent effect of sugar on PCM-induced liver damage in rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced using paracetamol, followed by co-administration of sugar at 50% and 100% concentrations. Liver injury was assessed using body and relative liver weight, serum biochemical markers (ALT, AST, ALP), oxidative stress parameters, and histopathology. Paracetamol significantly increased relative liver weight (7.50 ± 0.35%) compared to normal controls (4.80 ± 0.20%) and elevated ALT (140.0 ± 4.5 U/L), AST (155.0 ± 6.4 U/L), and ALP (260.0 ± 8.0 U/L) levels (p < 0.001). Lipid peroxidation increased markedly, with MDA levels rising to 3.80 ± 0.25 nmol/mg protein versus 1.20 ± 0.15 nmol/mg protein in controls, alongside reduced antioxidant enzymes. Co-administration of 50% sugar partially attenuated PCM-induced toxicity, whereas 100% sugar aggravated oxidative stress (MDA: 4.50 ± 0.30 nmol/mg protein) and liver damage. These findings suggest that moderate sugar intake may offer limited hepatoprotection, while excessive sugar worsens PCM-induced liver injury.