Examination of the apelin signaling pathway in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Abstract Objectives The present study identifies the level changes of markers (Apelin, Elabela, Meteorin, ALT, AST, GGT) in the liver after acute intake of high-dose paracetamol and their role in determining liver damage. Methods The rats were categorized into two groups (Control and Toxication), each consisting of seven rats. Apelin, Elabela, Meteorin, ALT, AST and GGT levels were determined in liver tissue. The levels of Apelin, Elabela, and Meteorin in liver tissue homogenate were assessed following the kit procedure, utilizing commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ALT, AST and GGT analyzes were performed from liver tissue homogenate with Erba colorimetric kit according to the kit procedure. It was also evaluated histopathologically from liver tissue. Results Looking at the findings, a significant decrease was determined in the Elabela and Meteorin data in the Apap group compared to the control group. In the Apelin data, a statistical increase was observed in the Apap group compared to the control group. A significant increase in ALT analysis was detected in the APAP group compared to the control group. Considering GGT and AST data, a statistical increase was detected in the APAP group compared to the control group.While Bax, Bcl-2 and iNOS immunoreactivity was not observed in the control group, a yellowish-brown positive reaction was detected in the cytoplasm of degenerated and necrotic hepatocytes, especially around the vena centralis, in the paracetamol group. Conclusions As a result, it is thought that Apelin, Elabela and Meteorin markers may be decisive markers in determining toxicity in liver damage.