Astaxanthin Extract Potentiates the Functional Performance of Hepatic and Renal Tissues and Can Prevent or Alleviate Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity Induced by Acetaminophen

Abstract

The study performed in the animal house of College of Education for girls from the period of 14/9/2020 to 13/1/2021 to assess the anti-oxidant efficiency of Astax. (Astaxanthin) extract against the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of acetaminophen, twenty of albino male rats were used in this trial, with age of 12 weeks and their weights ranging between 215 to 230 g. The laboratory animals, randomly divided into four categories, five rats for each group. The dosing was orally and once a day, for twenty-one consequent days, the first group was control treated with normal saline 0.9%,and the second was given acetaminophen drug 1000 mg/kg, the third submitted to acetaminophen 1000 mg/kg +Astax. extract 750 mg/kg, while the last (fourth) group received Astax. extract 750 mg/kg only. The study including, the estimation of some biochemical parameters as Aspartate aminotransferase AST, Alanine aminotransferase ALT, and Alkaline phosphatase ALP activity, erythropoietin (EPO) level, and kidney functions (creatinine and urea levels). The findings of statistical analysis have been revealed a significant elevation (P< 0.05) in the effectiveness of the hepatic enzymes (AST,ALT and ALP), creatinine, and urea, in the contrast, there was a notable decrease (P< 0.05) in the erythropoietin levels in the drug group (acetaminophen 1000 mg/kg) in compared to the control and two other groups. Whereas, the data of the current study exhibited an effective role of Astax. extract to ameliorate the functions of kidneys, hence there was a significant decrease (P< 0.05) in urea level conversely, an observable elevation (P< 0.05) in the erythropoietin hormone in the group that submitted to Astax. extract when compared with the control group. The conclusion, the Astax. extract had a strong capacity to inhibit or reduce the toxicity that caused by acetaminophen drug due to its vital properties and active chemical contained in particular the anti-oxidants.