Effect of Paracetamol on the liver of Adult Male Albino Rats and the Possible Protective effect of Folic Acid

Background: Paracetamol may cause liver toxicity and inhibits certain antioxidant enzymes.Aim: To clarify the possible histological changes resulting from paracetamol on liver microstructure and the potential protective impact of folic acid.Material and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were randomly segmented into 4 equal groups. Group I was negative control group, Group II received 36 μg / rat/ day of folic acid, Group III received 7.2 mg /rat/ day of paracetamol, and Group IV received 36 μg / rat/ day of folic acid and 7.2 mg /rat/ day of paracetamol, drugs given daily orally for 14 days. Rats were sacrificed, and liver specimens were processed for histological, immunohistochemical, Morphometric studies, and Statistical analysis.Results: In paracetamol treated group of liver architecture distortion, hepatocytes showed marked vacuolar degeneration featuring vacuoles in cytoplasm and nuclei showing condensed pyknosis. The central vein showed dilation and congestion, with blood sinusoids obliteration, congestion, and hemorrhage. Portal tract exhibits Portal vein congestion infiltrated with mononuclear cells within the portal tract region, decreased PAS reaction, increased collagen fibers, and increased number of apoptotic cells. The liver structure was restored in the combined folic acid and paracetamol group; hepatocytes were organized in cords, with some looking healthy, while others displayed vacuolations and a few congested blood sinusoids. Increased glycogen granules, decreased collagen fibers, and decreased number of apoptotic cells.Conclusion: Folic acid is potentially protective in opposition to paracetamol-induced hepatic damage.