Preventive effect of omega-3 fatty acids on ethinyl estradiolinduced hepatosteatosis in female wistar rat

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hepatic steatosis due to estrogen therapy<br />increases the activity of inflammatory markers, particularly the<br />activity of TNFα which in turn induces more lipogenesis.<br />Omega-3 fatty acids are among the negative regulators of hepatic<br />lipogenesis. OBJECTIVES: In this research, the preventive effect<br />of omega-3 fatty acids on estrogen-induced steatosis in rats was<br />evaluated. METHODS:2 mg/kg. BW/SC of 17α-ethiny-lestrasdiol<br />were injected into 25 female wistar rats in 5 equal groups<br />(excluding the control group) over 10 consecutive days.<br />Simultaneously, 3 of estradiol-treated groups were orally given<br />250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. BW omega-3 fatty acids, respectively.<br />At the end of the experiment, plasma ALT, AST, and TNFα<br />level were determined. Histopathological changes in the liver<br />were also identified by the evaluation of samples stained with<br />H&E and Oil Red O. RESULTS: The histological findings<br />revealed hepatic microvesicular steatosis and fat deposit in<br />ethinylestradiol and, to a lesser extent, in the 250 mg/kg BW<br />omega-3 fatty acids groups. The plasma levels of AST, ALT, and<br />TNFα significantly increased in the ethinylestradiol group<br />compared to the control (p<0.05) and 1000 mg/kg. B.W omega-<br />3 group. Omega-3 fatty acids reduced these parameters in<br />comparison to the estradiol group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It<br />was concluded that 1000mg/kg.BW of omega-3 protects the<br />liver against steatotic injuries.