Tannic acid prevents azidothymidine (AZT) induced hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity along with change in expression of PARG and histone H3 acetylation

Sensitive Detection of Genotoxic Substances in Complex Food Matrices by Multiparametric High-Content Analysis

Genotoxic substances widely exist in the environment and the food supply, posing serious health risks due to their potential to induce DNA damage and cancer. Traditional genotoxicity assays, while valuable, are limited by insufficient sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency, particularly when applied to complex food matrices. This study introduces a multiparametric high-content analysis (HCA) for the detection of genotoxic substances in complex food matrices. The developed assay measures three genotoxic biomarkers, including γ-H2AX, p-H3, and RAD51, which enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of genotoxicity screening. Moreover, the assay effectively distinguishes genotoxic compounds with different modes of action, which not only offers a more comprehensive assessment of DNA damage and the cellular response to genotoxic stress but also provides new insights into the exploration of genotoxicity mechanisms. Notably, the five tested food matrices, including coffee, tea, pak choi, spinach, and tomato, were found not to interfere with the detection of these biomarkers under proper dilution ratios, validating the robustness and reliability of the assay for the screening of genotoxic compounds in the food industry. The integration of multiple biomarkers with HCA provides an efficient method for detecting and assessing genotoxic substances in the food supply, with potential applications in toxicology research and food safety.

Evaluation of a polyherbal formulation for the management of wet litter in broiler chickens: Implications on performance parameters, cecal moisture level, and footpad lesions

Objective:

The study was carried out to develop a wet litter model with magnesium chloride to assess the effectiveness of a polyherbal formulation (PHF) on growth performance, litter and cecal moisture (LCM) level, cecal consistency (CC) score, and footpad lesions (FPLs) score in Ross 308 broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods:

1,200 one-day-old chicks were assigned into five groups: normal control, negative control [NTC; treated with 1.7% magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MgCl₂.6H₂O)], and three treatment groups, T1, T2, and T3, where 750, 1,000, and 2,000 gm/ton of PHF, respectively, were supplemented. All the groups were fed a basal diet until day 7. However, the NTC and treatment groups were fed a diet with MgCl₂ from days 8 to 42.

Results:

The addition of MgCl₂ for 35 days worsened the growth performance traits in broilers and induced wet litter problems (FPL, high LCM, and poor CC) in the NTC group. However, PHF (750, 1,000, and 2,000 gm/ton) ameliorated the negative effect of a diet with MgCl₂ on growth performance and wet litter problems, but a better response with respect to LCM and CC was observed in 2,000 gm/ton of PHF group, followed by that in 1,000 gm/ton of PHF group and 750 gm/ton of PHF group on day 42.

Conclusion:

The wet litter broiler model was developed through excessive feeding of MgCl₂, which caused the performance parameters to worsen and the emergence of problems associated with the wet litter. Supplementation with PHF ameliorated these problems and, therefore, it can be used for the management of wet litter in poultry.

Liver as a target of human immunodeficiency virus infection

Liver injury is a characteristic feature of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which is the second most common cause of mortality in HIV-infected patients. Now it is recognized that liver plays a key role in HIV infection pathogenesis. Antiretroviral therapy (ART), which suppresses HIV infection in permissive immune cells, is less effective in hepatocytes, thereby making these cells a silent reservoir of HIV infection. In addition to direct hepatotoxic effects of HIV, certain ART treatment modalities provide hepatotoxic effects. The exact mechanisms of HIV-triggered chronic hepatitis progression are not elucidated, but the liver is adversely affected by HIV-infection and liver cells are prominently involved in HIV-elicited injury. These effects are potentiated by second hits like alcohol. Here, we will focus on the incidence of HIV, clinical evidence of HIV-related liver damage, interactions between HIV and liver cells and the role of alcohol and co-infection with hepatotropic viruses in liver inflammation and fibrosis progression.

Investigations on the Influence of Zidovudine in the Pharmacokinetics of Isoniazid and Its Hepatotoxic Metabolites in Rats

The HIV-infected patients are co-infected with many bacterial infections in which tuberculosis is most common found worldwide. These patients are often administered with combined therapy of anti-retroviral and anti-tubercular drugs which leads to several complications including hepatotoxicity or adverse drug interactions. The drug-drug interactions between the anti-retroviral and anti-tubercular drugs are not clearly defined and hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions of Zidovudine (AZT) with Isoniazid (INH) and its hepatotoxic metabolites. Seventy two rats were randomly divided into two major groups with their sub-groups each comprising 6 animals. The Group I received INH alone at a dose of 25 mg/kg; b.w and Group II received AZT (50 mg/kg; b.w) along with INH orally. Pharmacokinetic studies of INH and its metabolites i.e., acetyl hydrazine (ACHY) and hydrazine (HYD) shows that INH and ACHY attains maximum plasma concentration ( C_max) within 30 minutes and HYD attains C_max at 1 hour after INH administration and all these analytes disappear from plasma within 4 hours. Pharmacokinetic studies also revealed that AZT treatment did not showed any drug-drug interactions and have no effect on the T_1/2, plasma clearance, AUC, C_max and T_max of INH and its hepatotoxic metabolites.

Valorisation of softwood bark through extraction of utilizable chemicals. A review

Softwood bark is an important source for producing chemicals and materials as well as bioenergy. Extraction is regarded as a key technology for obtaining chemicals in general, and valorizing bark as a source of such chemicals in particular. In this paper, properties of 237 compounds identified in various studies dealing with extraction of softwood bark were described. Finally, some challenges and perspectives on the production of chemicals from bark are discussed.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Gallotannin-enriched Extract Isolated from Gall on Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Cytotoxicity in HepG2 Cells

Background:

Gall (Galla Rhois [GR]) is known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic, and anti-invasion activities and exert hepatoprotective effects. However, the hepatoprotective effects of gallotannin-enriched GR (GEGR) and their mechanisms have not yet been investigated.

Objective:

The potential protective effect of GEGR against hepatotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was investigated.

Materials and Methods:

Changes in cell viability, apoptosis protein expression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were determined in HepG2 cells that were pretreated with four different concentrations of GEGR (6.25–50 μg/ml) for 24 h before H₂O₂ exposure.

Results:

GEGR consisted of gallotannin (69.2%), gallic acid (26.6%), and methyl gallate (4.2%) and showed remarkable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity (inhibitory concentration 50% = 0.212 μg/ml). The lethal dose 50% and effective dose 50% values for the response of HepG2 cells to GEGR were determined to be 178 and 6.85 μg/ml, respectively. Significant reductions in the immunofluorescence intensity indicating apoptosis were also detected in the nuclei of HepG2 cells stained with 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and Annexin V after GEGR treatment. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and active caspase-3 level were higher in H₂O₂ + vehicle-treated cells. However, these levels gradually decreased to those of the No-treated group in the GEGR pretreated group even though little or no decrease was observed in response to low GEGR concentrations. Furthermore, the GEGR pretreated group showed a reduced level of 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate stained cells, indicating ROS generation relative to the H₂O₂ + vehicle-treated group.

Conclusion:

The results of this study provide strong evidence that GEGR can prevent cell death induced by H₂O₂ in HepG2 cells through the induction of antioxidant conditions.

SUMMARY

The gallotannin (69.2%), gallic acid (26.6%), and methyl gallate (4.2%) are the main constituents of water extracts of GR

GEGR was more potent in DPPH scavenging, and gallotannin contributes to this extract activity

GEGR significantly reduced the increase of apoptosis, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and active caspase-3 level after H2O2 treatment

GEGR pretreatment showed protection against H₂O₂-induced ROS production in DCFH-DA staining analysis.

Abbreviations used: COX: Cyclooxygenase; DAPI: 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; GEGR: Gallotannin-enriched Galla Rhois; GR: Galla Rhois; HPLC: High-performance liquid chromatography; H₂O₂: Hydrogen peroxide; MMP: Metallopeptidase; MTT: 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; UV-Vis: Ultraviolet-visible.

Zidovudine and isoniazid induced liver toxicity and oxidative stress: Evaluation of mitigating properties of silibinin

HIV/AIDS patients are more prone for opportunistic TB infections and they are administered the combined regimen of anti-retroviral drug zidovudine (AZT) and isoniazid (INH) for therapy. However, AZT+INH treatment has been documented to induce injury and remedial measures to prevent this adversity are not clearly defined. Silibinin (SBN) is a natural hepatoprotective principle isolated from medicinal plant Silybum marianum and is currently used for therapy of various liver diseases. This study investigate the hepatotoxic potentials of AZT alone, INH alone and AZT+INH treatments and the mitigating potentials of SBN against these drugs induced toxic insults of liver in rats. Separate groups of rats (n=6 in each group) were administered AZT alone (50mg/kg b.w.), INH alone (25mg/kg, b.w.), AZT+INH (50mg/kg, b.w. and 25mg/kg, b.w.), SBN alone (100mg/kg, b.w.) and SBN+AZT+INH daily for sub-chronic period of 45days orally. The control rats received saline/propylene glycol. INH alone and AZT+INH-induced parenchymal cell injury and cholestasis of liver was evidenced by highly significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes (aspartate and alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, argino succinic acid lyase), bilirubin, protein, oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, vitamins C and E) and membrane bound ATPases were evaluated in serum/liver tissue homogenates. Histopathological studies show ballooning degradation, inflammatory lesions, lipid deposition and hydropic changes in the liver tissue. All the above biochemical and pathological changes induced by AZT+INH treatments were mitigated in rats receiving SBN simultaneously with these hepatotoxins, indicating its hepatoprotective and antioxidant potentials against AZT+INH-induced hepatotoxicity. The moderate hepatoprotective and oxidant potentials of SBN could be due to its low bioavailability and this deficiency could be prevented by supplementation of phosphatidylcholines and studies are warranted on these lines to improve the therapeutic efficiency of SBN.

Lipogenesis and lipid peroxidation in rat testes after long-term treatment with sucrose and tannic acid in drinking water

We studied the influence of long-term treatment with sucrose and tannic acid in drinking water on the fatty acid profile and lipid peroxidation in rat testes. Male Wistar rats were supplemented with sucrose (30% w/v) or with sucrose and tannic acid (sucrose 30% w/v, tannic acid 0.1% w/v) in drinking water. The treatment with sucrose elevated blood glucose levels in the plasma (p < .05) and decreased the testis weight (p < .05) and testis index (p < .05) of the rats. Sucrose treatment increased monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and C22:6n3, and decreased n6 fatty acids in testis tissue. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased after sucrose administration in plasma (p < .05) and testis tissue (p < .01). The addition of tannic acid led to the decrease in lipid peroxidation in the plasma (p < .05) and testis (p < .05), a further increase in MUFA and decrease in n6 fatty acids. In conclusion, sucrose significantly altered the testis fatty acid profile with an increase in MUFA and C22:6n3, and a decrease in n6 fatty acids. Tannic acid attenuated oxidative stress and hyperglycaemia, but it did not improve pathological changes in the fatty acid composition of the testis.

Tannic Acid Inhibits Hepatitis C Virus Entry into Huh7.5 Cells

Chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Although antiviral therapy has dramatically improved recently, a number of patients remain untreated and some do not clear infection with treatment. Viral entry is an essential step in initiating and maintaining chronic HCV infections. One dramatic example of this is the nearly 100% infection of newly transplanted livers in patients with chronic hepatitis C. HCV entry inhibitors could play a critical role in preventing HCV infection of newly transplanted livers. Tannic acid, a polymer of gallic acid and glucose molecules, is a plant-derived polyphenol that defends some plants from insects and microbial infections. It has been shown to have a variety of biological effects, including antiviral activity, and is used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages. In this study, we demonstrate that tannic acid is a potent inhibitor of HCV entry into Huh7.5 cells at low concentrations (IC₅₀ 5.8 μM). It also blocks cell-to-cell spread in infectious HCV cell cultures, but does not inhibit HCV replication following infection. Moreover, experimental results indicate that tannic acid inhibits an early step of viral entry, such as the docking of HCV at the cell surface. Gallic acid, tannic acid’s structural component, did not show any anti-HCV activity including inhibition of HCV entry or replication at concentrations up to 25 μM. It is possible the tannin structure is related on the effect on HCV inhibition. Tannic acid, which is widely distributed in plants and foods, has HCV antiviral activity in cell culture at low micromolar concentrations, may provide a relative inexpensive adjuvant to direct-acting HCV antivirals and warrants future investigation.

Silibinin mitigates zidovudine-induced hepatocellular degenerative changes, oxidative stress and hyperlipidaemia in rats

Prolonged zidovudine (AZT) treatment in HIV-infected and AIDS patients is shown to induce liver toxicity leading to complications. Therapeutic regimen that could encounter this adverse effect is unavailable and management of toxicity is often symptomatic or is limited to withdrawal of therapy. In the present investigation, we evaluated the alleviating properties of silibinin (SBN), a flavanolignan obtained from Silybum marianum against subacute AZT-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. AZT treatment (50 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) periorally (p.o.), daily for 45 days) caused highly significant increases in alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, argininosuccinic acid lyase and bilirubin in serum. Oxidative stress is shown by a highly significant increase in lipid peroxidase and total carbonyl content and decrease in catalase and protein thiols in the liver tissue. Hyperlipidaemia is indicated by highly significant increase in total lipids and free fatty acid in serum. Evaluation of liver by haematoxylin and eosin staining shows parenchymal cell enlargement, inflammatory changes and increase in sinusoidal spaces. Simultaneous treatment of SBN (100 mg/kg b.w. p.o., daily for 45 days) significantly protected the liver against hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress and hyperlipidaemia induced by AZT, and this alleviating property is attributed to hepatoprotective, membrane-stabilizing, antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of SBN.

Effect of antiretroviral drugs on the DNA damage in mice

In order to investigate the effects of two non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) on the DNA damage in vivo, nevirapine (NVP; 3.3 mg/kg), efavirenz (EFV; 10 mg/kg) or saline were administered orally. Acute effects were analyzed 24 h after the administration of a single NNRTI dose, and subchronic effects 24 h after the last dose. Peripheral blood, brain, heart and liver samples were subjected to genotoxicity analyses and polychromatic erythrocytes from the bone marrow to micronucleus test. The micronucleus test did not reveal any significant differences between animals from the acute or subchronic groups. Comet assay showed that acute and subchronic NNRTI treatment did not cause any significant DNA damage in heart, liver or peripheral blood cells. However, increased damage indexes and frequencies were observed in the brain of mice, subchronically treated with EFV. This result suggests for the first time that this drug might induce genotoxicity in the brain.

Assessment of the genotoxic potential of azidothymidine in the comet, micronucleus, and Pig-a assay

The genotoxic potential of azidothymidine (Zidovudine, AZT), chosen as a model compound for nucleotide analogs, was comprehensively assessed in vivo for gene mutation, clastogenicity, and DNA breakage endpoints. Male Wistar rats were treated by oral gavage over 7 days with AZT at dose levels of 2×0 (control), 2×250, 2×500, and 2×1000mg/kg/day with a final single dose given on day 8. DNA damage was then evaluated with the comet assay in liver, stomach, and peripheral blood and with the micronucleus test in bone marrow and peripheral blood (by flow cytometry) in the same animals. After a treatment-free period of upto 42 days, the Pig-a gene mutation assay was performed in peripheral blood of the high-dose animals. In the comet assay as well as the micronucleus test, AZT caused a considerable dose-dependent increase in DNA damage in all tissues evaluated and was highly cytotoxic to bone marrow and peripheral blood cells. These data are well in line with published results. Surprisingly, AZT did not significantly increase the number of Pig-a mutant cells. We speculate that two factors likely contributed to this negative result: a predominance of large deletions caused by AZT, and the relatively low statistical power of the first-generation scoring method used for this study.

Tannic acid, an inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase, sensitizes ovarian carcinoma cells to cisplatin

Tannic acid (TA) has been associated with anticancer functions in multiple tumor types both in vitro and in vivo. However, its effect on ovarian carcinoma cells has not been investigated, and its underlying anticancer mechanism(s) remain unclear. In this study, the effects of TA alone and in combination with cisplatin were evaluated using ovarian carcinoma cell lines. Combined treatment with TA and cisplatin was found to induce apoptosis and increase DNA damage in the cisplatin-resistant (SKOV-3 CDDP/R) and cisplatin-sensitive (SKOV-3) human ovarian carcinoma cell lines, respectively. TA was also found to enhance the toxicity of cisplatin in ovarian carcinoma cells associated with the inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) expression, increase the accumulation of poly(ADP-ribose) (pADPr), following the release of apoptosis-inducing factor, and the activation of caspase-3. In conclusion, as a PARG inhibitor, TA showed anticancer activity and increased the sensitivity of SKOV-3 cells and SKOV-3 CDDP/R cell lines to cisplatin.

Tannic acid down-regulates the angiotensin type 1 receptor through a MAPK-dependent mechanism

In the present study, we investigated the effects of tannic acid (TA), a hydrolysable polyphenol, on angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) expression in continuously passaged rat liver epithelial cells. Under normal conditions, exposure of cells to TA resulted in the down-regulation of AT1R-specific binding in concentrations ranging from 12.5-100 μg/ml (7.34-58.78 μm) over a time period of 2-24 h with no change in receptor affinity to angiotensin II (AngII). The inhibitory effect of TA on AT1R was specific and reversible. In TA-treated cells, we observed a significant reduction in AngII-mediated intracellular calcium signaling, a finding consistent with receptor down-regulation. Under similar conditions, TA down-regulated AT1R mRNA expression without changing the rate of mRNA degradation, suggesting that TA's effect is mediated through transcriptional inhibition. Cells expressing recombinant AT1R without the native promoter show no change in receptor expression, whereas a pCAT reporter construct possessing the rat AT1R promoter was significantly reduced in activity. Furthermore, TA induced the phosphorylation of MAPK p42/p44. Pretreatment of the cells with a MAPK kinase (MEK)-specific inhibitor PD98059 prevented TA-induced MAPK phosphorylation and down-regulation of the AT1R. Moreover, there was no reduction in AngII-mediated intracellular calcium release upon MEK inhibition, suggesting that TA's observed inhibitory effect is mediated through MEK/MAPK signaling. Our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that TA inhibits AT1R gene expression and cellular response, suggesting the observed protective effects of dietary polyphenols on cardiovascular conditions may be, in part, through inhibition of AT1R expression.

A tannic acid-based medical food, Cesinex(®), exhibits broad-spectrum antidiarrheal properties: a mechanistic and clinical study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a tannic acid-based medical food, Cesinex(®), in the treatment of diarrhea and to investigate the mechanisms underlying its antidiarrheal effect.

METHODS

Cesinex(®) was prescribed to six children and four adults with diarrhea. Patient records were retrospectively reviewed for the primary outcome. Cesinex(®) and its major component, tannic acid, were tested for their effects on cholera toxin-induced intestinal fluid secretion in mice. Polarized human gut epithelial cells (HT29-CL19A cells) were used to investigate the effects of tannic acid on epithelial barrier properties, transepithelial chloride secretion, and cell viability.

RESULTS

Successful resolution of diarrheal symptoms was reported in nine of ten patients receiving Cesinex(®). The treatment of HT29-CL19A cells with clinically relevant concentrations of tannic acid (0.01-1 mg/ml) significantly increased transepithelial resistance (TER) and inhibited the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-dependent or the calcium-activated Cl(-) secretion. Tannic acid could also improve the impaired epithelial barrier function induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and inhibited the disrupting effect of TNFα on the epithelial barrier function in these cells. Cholera toxin (CTX)-induced mouse intestinal fluid secretion was significantly reduced by the administration of Cesinex(®) or tannic acid. Cesinex(®) has high antioxidant capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

Cesinex(®) demonstrates efficacy and a good safety profile in the treatment of diarrhea. The broad-spectrum antidiarrheal effect of Cesinex(®) can be attributed to a combination of factors: its ability to improve the epithelial barrier properties, to inhibit intestinal fluid secretion, and the high antioxidant capacity.

The ups and downs of tannins as inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)glycohydrolase

DNA damage to cells activates nuclear poly(ADP-ribose)polymerases (PARPs) and the poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) synthesized is rapidly cleaved into ADP-ribose (ADPR) by PAR glycohydrolase (PARG) action. Naturally appearing tannin-like molecules have been implicated in specific inhibition of the PARG enzyme. This review deals with the in vitro and in vivo effects of tannins on PAR metabolism and their downstream actions in DNA damage signaling.

Hepatoprotective potential of extracts from seeds of Areca catechu and nutgalls of Quercus infectoria

Aqueous extracts from seeds of Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae) (AC) and nutgalls of Quercus infectoria Oliv. (Fagaceae) (QI) were investigated for their hepatoprotective potential by studying their antioxidant capacity using four different methods, by determining their in vitro anti−inflammatory activity against 5-lipoxygenase, and by evaluating their hepatoprotective potential against liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in rats. AC and QI extracts exhibited potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Treatment of rats with AC and QI extracts reversed oxidative damage in hepatic tissues induced by CCl₄. It is suggested that extracts rich in either condensed or hydrolysable tannins and known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, may potentially confer protection against oxidative stress−induced liver injury. These data should contribute to evidence-based traditional medicines for anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of both extracts.

5-Azacytidine prevents cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity and potentiates anticancer activity of cisplatin by involving inhibition of metallothionein, pAKT and DNMT1 expression in chemical induced cancer rats

5-Azactydine inhibits cell growth by direct cytotoxic action as well as by inhibition of DNA methyl transferase enzyme. Inhibitors of DNMT have been reported to potentiate the therapeutic activity of cisplatin in vitro. Dose dependent bone marrow toxicity, neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity are the major side effects of cisplatin, limiting its use as an effective chemotherapeutic agent. The present study was aimed to reduce the nephrotoxic potential of cisplatin without compensating its potency. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report which shows that the combination of 5-azacytidine with cisplatin leads to remarkable reduction in nephrotoxicity, by involving inhibition of cisplatin induced metallothionein expression. 5-Azacytidine treatment with cisplatin leads to maximum reduction in tumor size in DMH induced colon cancer and tumor volume in DMBA induced breast cancer bearing SD rats. This combination regimen prevents phosphorylation and acetylation of histone H3 which may be involved in inhibition of aberrant gene expression in colon tumors. Further, 5-azacytidine potentiated cisplatin induced antitumor activity by involving decreased expression of pAKT, DNMT1 and an increased expression of p38 in colon tumors. Thus, combination of 5-azactydine with cisplatin attenuates the cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity and potentiates the anti-cancer activity which can have profound clinical implications.

Protective effect of L-carnitine against cisplatin-induced liver and kidney oxidant injury in rats

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of L-carnitine (LC) on changes in the levels of lipid peroxidation and endogenous antioxidants induced by cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II, CDDP) in the liver and kidney tissues of rats. Twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were equally divided into four groups of six rats each: control, cisplatin, L-carnitine, and L-carnitine plus cisplatin. The degree of protection produced by L-carnitine was evaluated by determining the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). The activity of glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were estimated from liver and kidney homogenates, and the liver and kidney were histologically examined as well. L-carnitine elicited significant liver and kidney protective activity by decreasing the level of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and elevating the activity of GSH, GSHPx, GST, and SOD. Furthermore, these biochemical observations were supported by histological findings. In conclusion, the present study indicates a significant role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their relation to liver and kidney dysfunction, and points to the therapeutic potential of LC in CDDP-induced liver and kidney toxicity.