Protective Effects of Tarantula Cubensis Extract (Theranecron) and N-acetylcysteine on the Liver in an Experimental Model of Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to show the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Tarantula cubensis extract (TCE) against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) damage on the liver.
Methods: The rats for which an IR injury model was created experimentally were divided into five groups with seven in each group. Only laparotomy was performed in the control group. The hepatic hilus was clamped in other groups, and 60 min of ischemia was performed. Then, the clamp was opened, and 6 h of reperfusion was achieved. IR model was applied to the sham group. The NAC group was given 50 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneally (IP) 60 min before ischemia. The TCE group was given 10 mg/kg TCE as IP. In the NAC + TCE group, these drugs were given in combination at the same dose.
Results: Liver function test values were higher in the treated groups compared with the control group and the difference was significant (p<0.05). When the gamma glutamyl transferase levels were compared, the levels in the sham group were statistically significantly higher than the other groups (p<0.01). When antioxidant enzyme levels were compared, it was observed that the sham group was significantly lower than the other groups (p<0.01).
Discussion and Conclusion: We conclude that when TCE is used alone or in combination with NAC, it protects the liver against the negative effects of IR.

Keywords: Ischemia; Liver; N-acetylcysteine; Reperfusion; Tarantula cubensis extract