Investigation of the protective effects of Quercetin on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats with light and electron microscopy

Hepatotoxicity is the liver injury that's induced by inhalation, oral or intravenous administration of many pharmacological and chemical substances. As a result of liver damage, liver function is impaired and liver failure and even death may be occured. Treatment of liver diseases are applied according to the underlining reason. In hepatotoxicity, toxic substance must be stopped and supportive treatment is applied. Liver transplantation may be required for severe damage. Nowadays, the use of natural antioxidants within the diet is becoming popular in studies to prevent liver damage. Quercetin, an antioxidant of plant origin, is a chemical pigment found in many plants. In this study, investigation the effects of Quercetin with light and electron microscopy in an experimental animal model with liver damage by CCl4 is aimed. 40 adult Wistar male rats will be divided into 5 groups (n=8). In group 1(Control group), 0.1 ml saline i.p. for 14 days and on 14th day 1 ml/kg olive oil i.p. will be injected. In group 2 (Quercetin control group), 10 mg/kg Quercetin (dissolved in 0.1 ml saline) for 14 days i.p. and on 14th day 1 ml/kg olive oil i.p. will be injected. In group 3 (CCl4 group), 0.1 ml saline i.p. for 14 days and on 14th day 1 ml/kg CCl4 (diluted in 50% of olive oil) i.p. will be injected. In group 4 (Quercetin protection group), 10 mg/kg Quercetin (dissolved in 0.1 ml saline) for 14 days i.p. and on 14th day CCl4 (diluted in 50% of olive oil) i.p. will be injected. In group 5 (Quercetin protection and treatment group), 10 mg/kg Quercetin (dissolved in 0.1 ml saline) for 14 days i.p. and on 14th day CCl4 (diluted in 50% of olive oil) i.p. will be injected. For 4 days after 14th day 10 mg/kg Quercetin (dissolved in 0.1 ml saline) injection i.p. will be continued. Intracardiac blood samples and liver tissue specimens will be taken from the rats in the first four groups on the 15th day (24 hours after the CCl4 injection), and in the fifth group on the 19th day. In biochemical tests; ALT, AST, TAS, TOS values will be measured. Liver specimens will be prepared for light microscopic and electron microscopic examination. The protective effects of Quercetin on liver histopathology and liver function will be examined. The results will contribute to the treatment of hepatotoxicity in the clinics. Key Words: Liver, carbon tetrachloride, oxidative stress, quercetin, transmission electron microscopy.