Modulation of Liver Glutathione-Dependent Enzymes and Steatosis by Linaria tingitana in Sodium Valproate-Treated Rats

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to establish whether the Algerian Linaria tingitana (Plantaginaceae), could provide an hepatoprotective effect against the liver toxicity of valproic acid (VPA) via maintaining glutathione homeostasis and counteracting steatosis induction. The protective effect of the n-butanol extract of Linaria tingitana (BELT) (200 mg kg⁻¹, 14 d; oral) on valproic acid (VPA) (400 mg kg⁻¹, 14 d; i.p) induced steatosis was investigated in vivo in rats by determination of hepatic markers, lipid profile, glutathione, and glutathione-dependent enzymes. Results revealed that BELT restored the hepatic marker enzymes, enhanced GSH level (76.59%) and GSH-dependent enzymes, GPX, GR, and GST (59.39–47.92–51.17%) and brought back the marked hyperlipidemia to a near normal. The severity of histological alterations was diminished as evidenced by the microvisicular/macrovascular steatosis. This study suggested that the hepatoprotective effect of BELT may be by maintaining glutathione homeostasis and counteracting steatosis.

KEYWORDS:

• Linaria tingitana
• lipogram
• steatosis
• oxidative stress
• sodium valproate

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The authors express their thanks to the Algerian minister of higher education and scientific research (MESRS) for financial support.