Pathological Studies on The Protective Effect of Ginger Extract and Ginger Nanoparticle on Acetaminophen Toxicity in Rats

Abstract

Acetaminophen (APAP) is widely used analgesics all over the world. However, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity are the most remarkable features of acetaminophen overdose. Ginger is a medicinal plant that has immuno-modulatory, anti-tumorigenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-lipidemic and anti-oxidant activities. Recently, ginger extract in form of nanoparticles (NPs) have been investigated in liver protection against alcohol-induced liver damage. We conducted in vivo and in vitro studies to compare between the protective efficacy of ginger extract and ginger nanoparticles (GNPs) against acetaminophen-induced toxicity from histological and biochemical aspects. In vivo study, adult male Sprague Dawley rats were received ginger extract and GNPs orally at dose of 120 mg/kg (3times/week) and acetaminophen at dose of 375mg/kg (1/10LD50) daily for three months. Serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as liver functionality indicator were determined. In addition, kidneys functions were assessed by evaluating urea and uric acid levels in serum. Moreover, oxidative stress at the cell level was evaluated by determining malondialdehyde content (MDA) and catalase enzyme (CAT) activity. Meanwhile, histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues were observed. The present study indicates that liver and kidney biochemical markers are improved in rat pretreated with ginger extract and ginger nanoparticles as well as the activities of cell oxidative stress are statistically significant diminished. In addition, their histological structure of liver and kidney tissues