Astaxanthin ameliorates hepatic damage and oxidative stress in carbon tetrachloride-administered rats

BACKGROUND: )-treated rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: orally (1 ml/kg) twice a week for 2 weeks and were treated with astaxanthin (10 mg/kg) every day for 2 weeks. Blood plasma samples were isolated from each group and were analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase activities. Oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and advanced protein oxidation product (APOP) were measured. Several enzyme functions such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities in the plasma and liver tissues were also analyzed. Moreover, inflammation and tissue fibrosis were also confirmed by histological staining of liver tissues. RESULTS: -administered rats. CONCLUSION: by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and stimulating the cellular antioxidant system. SUMMARY: APOP:…