AIT HAMADOUCHE N, MEHDID A,GUELLIL H, SLIMANI M, AOUES AEK
Green tea, consumed worldwide since ancient times, is considered beneficial to human health. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of green tea extract (GTE) on liver damage in male rats treated with lead acetate. Three groups of rats were used in the study. Lead and GTE was given orally to the rats with drinking water for 4 weeks. Lead concentration in the digested tissues of liver was detected using atomic absorption spectroscopy. After the experimental period, small pieces of the liver tissue were taken and prepared for purpose of the histological and histochemical examination. The activities of glutathione-Stransferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were used as markers to evaluate the anti oxidant status of tissues. The results revealed that enhancement of lead acetate produces sever alterations in the hepatic tissue. It ascribed disturbances in hepatic architecture besides liver cells appeared hypertrophy correlated with necrotic nuclei. Congested blood sinusoids with leucocytic infiltration were apparent. Hepatocytes induced poor glycogen storage. Lead exposure was found to attenuate the antioxidant potential of liver, which was however augmented when supplemented with green tea extract. Liver enzymes ALT, AST and ALP and serum protein determinations indicated the protective effects of green tea extract. It was concluded that GTE is an important appropriate anti-oxidant improving the Pb toxicity. However, although all the evidence from research on green tea is very promising, future studies are necessary to fully understand its contributions to human health.
