Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a molecule used to induce hepatotoxicity in experimental trials. In acetaminophen overdoses toxicity is caused by hepatic glutathione depletion. Glutathione is a molecule necessary to eliminate acetaminophen. This leads to the production of free radicals that affect homeostasis and cause cell death (apoptosis), liver necrosis and hepatic disfunction.

Several blood parameters can be used as indicators of liver damage. In this trial, LPO was used, as high levels of this compound are indicative of hepatic damage.

Objective

The objective of this trial was to analyze the efficacy of liver conditioner pronutrients to protect and regenerate the liver in broilers that receive an acetaminophen overdose.

Materials and methods

A total of 40 broilers from 30 to 42 days old distributed in 2 batches of 20 birds were fed the following diets.

• Group 1 (control): standard feed without any hepatoprotectorGroup 2 (pronutrients): standard feed with liver conditioner pronutrients

Results

On day 30 LPO levels were:

• Group 1: 10956
• Group 2: 10898

On day 42 LPO levels were:

• Group 1: 11152 (+1.78%)
• Group 2: 7901 (-27.5%).

The numbers between brackets show differences in LPO levels compared to day 30.

Results interpretation

LPO levels increase in group 1 is attributable to age, while the 27.5% decrease in group 2 is attributable to the hepatoprotectiver effect of pronutrients.

At day 43, acetaminophen was administered intraperitoneally (250 mg/kg) to all broilers. All animals were euthanized on day 45.

LPO levels on day 45 were:

• Group 1: 16457 (+32.23%)
• Group2: 7926 (+0.31%)

Numbers between brackets show differences in LPO levels compared to day 42.

Conclusions

This trial shows that pronutrients improve liver protective and regenerative capacities in birds that suffered from acute liver damage.

Liver conditioner pronutrients are marketed under the trademark Alquernat Livol, by Biovet S.A.