Hepatoprotective effects of zinc sulphate and silymarin against thallium-induced poisoning in rats

Abstract

Background: Thallium (TI) is a heavy metal with its salts are highly
toxic. This element is widely used in manufacture, and still being used as a rodenticide in some countries. Many occupational, accidental and criminal cases present to clinics all over the world. Thallium toxicity affects all body compartments including hepatic tissue.
Objective: to study the hepatoprotective effects of zinc sulphate and silymarin therapy in rats poisoned with thallium.
Methods: 48 albino rats of both sex were classified into 4 groups,
each group contains 12 rats, first group animals were given only distilled water orally for 5 successive days, second group were given a single oral dose of thallium acetate (16 mg/kg) followed by a daily oral dose of distilled water. Third group given the same oral dose of thallium followed by a daily dose of zinc sulphate solution (20 mg/kg) for 5 successive days. Fourth group rats were given the same oral dose of thallium acetate followed by a daily oral dose of silymarin solution (25 mg/kg) for 5 successive days. Serum transaminases (ALT, AST) and alkaline phosphatase were measured and hepatic tissue sections were taken for histopathological study.
Results: rats treated with zinc sulphate and silymarin had shown significant changes in serological and histopathological results in comparison to normal and thallium groups.
Conclusion: zinc sulphate and silymarin have hepatoprotective effects against induced thallium poisoning in rats.