Laboratory-Based Experimental Study of the Protective Effects of Alpha-Tocopherol On Isoniazid-Induced Hepatitis in Mice

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the role of alpha tocopherol in preventing isoniazid-induced hepatitis.
Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Pharmacology Department of the Army Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, in collaboration with the National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 2020 to June 2021.
Methods: It was an animal-based experimental study conducted in male mice. A sample size of ninety mice was selected and randomly distributed into three groups. Hepatitis model was induced by oral administration of 100mg/kg of isoniazid for 28 days, which was indicated by elevated levels of serum bilirubin and liver enzymes, and changes in histo-pathological parameters in liver samples. Alpha-tocopherol was administered orally 30 minutes prior to isoniazid at a dose of 100mg/kg for 28 days. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein of mice on day 0 for baseline levels and day 29 via intra-cardiac puncture after euthanasia, for post-intervention comparison. Liver samples were also collected and preserved for histopathological analysis. The biochemical parameters were analyzed within groups using a paired t-test, while histopathological parameters were analyzed for frequency distributions across the three groups.
Results: This study showed that alpha-tocopherol protected against isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity, which was indicated by decreased levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin in the serum. Hepato-protection was further evident from the preservation of liver architecture, which was indicated by reduced necrosis, steatosis, and portal inflammation.
Conclusion: Alpha tocopherol is effective in protecting against isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity.

How to cite this: Khan IU, Ali S, Khan WU, Aslam J, Shahid A, Khan BU. Laboratory-Based Experimental Study of the Protective Effects of Alpha-Tocopherol On Isoniazid-Induced Hepatitis in Mice. Life and Science. 2026; 7(1): 67-72. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.785