Journal of hepatology
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Journal of hepatology · Jan 2004
Melatonin inhibits nuclear factor kappa B activation and oxidative stress and protects against thioacetamide induced liver damage in rats.
Free radical-mediated oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute liver injury. The aim of our study was to investigate whether melatonin, a potent free radical scavenger could prevent fulminant hepatic failure in rats. ⋯ In a rat model of TAA-induced fulminant hepatic failure, melatonin improves survival and reduces liver damage and oxidative stress. The results suggest a causative role of oxidative stress in TAA-induced hepatic damage and suggest that melatonin may be utilized to reduce liver injury associated with oxidative stress.