Comparative hepatoprotective effects of Benzene Sulfonamide Derivatives in a rat model of ethylene glycol-induced liver injury

Ethylene glycol (EG), an alcohol derivative, is metabolized into toxic compounds contributing to liver damage. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of two benzene sulfonamide derivatives-SBCL and SBF-against EG-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Liver damage was induced using 0.12 ml of 5 % EG, followed by oral administration of the test compounds (10 mg/kg) every 48 h for 21 days. Rats were divided into six groups (n = 5 per group): a negative control (NEG), a positive control (EG), and four treatment groups-SBCL in healthy rats (SBCL-NEG), SBCL in EG-treated rats (SBCL-EG), SBF in healthy rats (SBF-NEG), and SBF in EG-treated rats (SBF-EG). The two compounds influenced liver biomarkers, including ALT, ALP, serum oxalate, and citrate, as well as oxidative stress indicators such as nitric oxide (NO), lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyls (PC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. SBCL and SBF reduced ALT levels in healthy rats, indicating potential hepatoprotective effects under normal conditions. However, SBCL was associated with elevated oxidative stress markers and reduced antioxidant activity in EG-treated rats, suggesting possible pro-oxidant effects in degenerative liver tissue. In contrast, SBF showed a more stable protective profile in healthy and EG-treated rats. These findings recommend that benzene sulfonamide derivatives, especially SBF, may have therapeutic relevance in managing EG-induced liver injury. SBCL may exhibit context-dependent toxicity under pathological conditions. Overall, the study supports the potential of these compounds in modulating liver toxicity, but additional research is needed to clarify their safety in pathological conditions.