Protective Effect of Ghrelin on Isoniazid-induced Liver Injury in Rat

Ghrelin (GHR) is a peptide that has protective effects on many tissues injury. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Isoniazid (INH) a widely used antituberculosis drug, has hepatotoxic side effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective role of ghrelin in liver toxicity due to isoniazid. Eighteen male rats were used in this study and divided in to three groups. Including: control, isoniazid, isoniazid and ghrelin groups. Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and hepatic enzymes, ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALK(alkaline phosphatas), were assessed and histologic study of liver were performed as indicators of liver damage following isoniazid toxicity. Ghrelin significantly increased NO metabolites and decreased PGE2 level comparison with INH group, but had no significant change compared to the control group. This study showed that ghrelin administration inhibited liver injury in rats due to isoniazid toxicity. The liver protective role of ghrelin may be mediated at least in part by its anti-inflammatory effect.