The effects of N-acetylcysteine on bacterial translocation and liver and ileum structure in a rat model of obstructive jaundice

Abstract

Purpose: In this study the effects of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) on bacterial translocation, and ileum and liver structures were investigated in a rat model of obstructive jaundice.

Materials and Methods: Twenty four wistar albino rats were randomly allocated in four groups. Group I (Control Group), Group II (Sham Group), Group III (Obstructive Jaundice Group), Group IV (Treatment Group) (50 µmol/kg/day NAC i.m.). Rats were sacrificed on day ten. Serum total/direct biluribine, AST,ALT,ALP and GGT levels were measured. Laparotomy was performed and mesenteric lymph node, liver, spleen specimens and caecal cultures were collected for the evaluation of bacterial translocation. Liver biopsies and terminal ileal segments were collected for histopathological evaluation.

Results: Statistically significant differences were detected between the treatment group and other groups in terms of total and direct biluribine, AST and GGT levels(p<0.05), There were some differences in terms of bacterial translocation between the groups, but these changes were not statistically significant(p>0.05). No bacterial translocation could be detected in the liver and spleen specimens of the treatment group although 50 per cent of mesenteric lymph node specimens showed bacterial translocation. Hepatic structural changes were partially minimised in the treatment group although this was also statistically in significant( p>0.05).

Conclusion: These findings showed that, antioxidant, cytoprotective and microcirculatory effects of NAC could lower bacterial translocation rates and minimise the histological changes of liver and ileum of jaundiced rats. These changes could lower the perioperative morbidity and mortality.