Effects of L- glutamine on oxidative stress in gentamicin induced hepatotoxicity rats

Introduction: Liver is a vital organ and one of its functions is to release the harmful materials from the body. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside used to treat gram-negative bacteria infections, though it causes renal and liver injuries. Antioxidants play effective roles in decreasing gentamicin-induced liver injuries. L-glutamine has antioxidant properties and is used to decrease gentamicin-induced liver injuries. Methods: In this study, thirty two wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight as follows: 1) control group, 2) gentamicin, 100 mg/kg for 12 days, 3) L-glutamine, 25 mg/kg by gavage for 12 days, 4) group received both gentamicin and L-glutamine after 12 days. The blood sample of the heart of rats was taken through anesthesia and its serum was used to evaluate alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). The livers of rats were also isolated to evaluate malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase GPX, catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH). Results: Treatment with gentamicin caused some changes in the liver function. We observed an increase not only in AST and ALT, but also in MDA. In addition a decrease was seen in antioxidant enzymes such as CAT, GPX and GSH. In group treated with glutamine, the amount of AST and MDA has significantly decreased compared to group treated with gentamicin. Glutamine significantly increased GPX activity and the level of GSH compared to gentamicin group. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the oral use of L-glutamine can moderately decrease gentamicin-induced liver injuries.