OXIDATIVE STRESS FROM FLUORIDE-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS

Abstract

SUMMARY: The role of oxidative stress in fluoride hepatotoxicity was inves- tigated. Three groups of eight 4-week-old Wistar rats were given 50, 100, and 150 mg NaF/L in their drinking water for three months. Serum glutamate pyru- vate transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamate oxalate transaminase (SGOT) activities increased significantly, suggesting hepatic damage. Alterations of the oxidative and the antioxidant system in the liver were confirmed by the significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) together with enhanced super- oxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in that organ. Oxidative damage from oxidative stress therefore appears to be an im- portant pathway for fluoride-induced hepatotoxicity.