Effect of astaxanthin on liver function in toxicity induced by cadmium in male mice

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal with a high potential for accumulation and damage to liver, lung and reproductive system. Astaxanthin is a kind of carotenoid with antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of astaxanthin on liver function in presence of cadmium. 30 adults male mice were divided into 5 groups, a control group, a sham group that intraperitoneally received olive oil and salin for two weeks. Cadmium group received cadmium at a dose of 1 mg/kg, a group received astaxanthin at a dose of 10 mg/kg of animal weight and cadmium at a dose of 1 mg/kg, and a group received astaxanthin at a dose of 10 mg/kg, mice received cadmium and astaxanthin intraperitoneally for 14 days. After 14 days blood serum was collected. The levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase enzymes and LDH was evaluated in blood serum. The results indicated Cadmium significantly increased the level of ALT compared to the sham group but no change serum levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and AST after 14 days. On the other hand, astaxanthin significantly decreased the level of ALT in presence of cadmium comparison with cadmium group. Therefore it seems astaxanthin can protect the function of liver against cadmium toxicity.

Keywords:

Astaxanthin , Cadmium , Liver , ALT