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Amelioration of thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats by low-dose gamma irradiation

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Abstract

Brain affection is a common symptom of liver insufficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the role of low-dose γ irradiation (LDR) as a potential therapeutic agent in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in rats. Effects of local and whole-body irradiation (0.5 Gy) on rat brain/liver were evaluated following the induction of HE by TAA (200 mg/kg/day/for 3 successive days). Serum activities of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) and ammonia level were assessed. The effect of HE on brain was evaluated through the determination of brain contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Moreover, apoptotic and inflammatory changes in brain and liver tissues were assessed together with alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA); fibrosis marker. Results showed correction of the biochemical parameters which was supported by the results of the immunohistochemical examinations. LDR is a promising hepato- and neurotherapy against HE.

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  • 09 April 2024

    Editor's Note: Readers are alerted that the concerns have been raised with this article. Editorial action will be taken as appropriate once this matter is resolved and all parties have been given an opportunity to respond in full.

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El-Latif El-Ghazaly, M.A., Rashed, E.R., Shafey, G.M. et al. Amelioration of thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats by low-dose gamma irradiation. Environ Sci Pollut Res 27, 334–343 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-06934-w

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