Protective effects of L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine and genistein in an experimental model of liver fibrosis

Aim: Liver fibrosis is a reversible wound-healing response that occurs following liver injury. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine and genistein in liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). In addition, the effects of these agents were compared in the same study. Methods: In this study, rats were randomly allocated into 8 groups, consisting of 10 rats each, as follows: a control group, CCl4, L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine, genistein, CCl4 and L-carnitine, CCl4 and N-acetylcysteine, and CCl4 and genistein. At the end of 6 weeks, blood and liver tissue specimens were collected. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT); aspartate aminotransferase (AST); complete blood count, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha); platelet-derived growth factorBB (PDGF-BB); interleukin-6 (IL-6); liver glutathione level; oxidant/antioxidant status; scores of hepatic steatosis, necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis; and the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin were studied. Results: Although the ALT and AST values in the group administered CCl4 were significantly higher than in all the other groups (P < 0.05), there was no significant difference between the control group and the groups administered CCl4 combined with L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine and genistein (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the levels of TNF-alpha, PDGF-BB and IL-6 (P < 0.05) between the CCl4 group and the groups with L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine and genistein added to CCl4. N-acetylcysteine and genistein had positive effects on the oxidant/ antioxidant status and on liver necrosis and fibrosis scores. Conclusions: In our study, L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine and genistein showed significant protective effects in liver fibrosis induced by CCl4. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.