Abstract
Hepatotoxicity causes a very high mortality all over the world. Several hepatotoxins are responsible for the development of hepatotoxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of Diethyl nitrosamine (DEN)/ Carbon tetra chloride (CCL4)-induced hepatotoxicity in obese rats. Forty male albino rats were divided equally into four groups; G1; control group, G2; DEN/ CCL4 group (IP injection of DEN (200 mg/kg Bwt) followed by weekly SC injection of CCL¬4 (3 mg/kg Bwt) for six weeks, G3; obese group (fed HFD) for 11 weeks & G4; DEN/ CCL4/ obese group (DEN/ CCL4 + obesity). Serum samples of all rats were analyzed for lipid profile and liver enzymes, ALP, total & direct albumin and alpha fetoprotein. Liver tissues were collected for analysis of oxidative stress markers, gene expression of Caspase-3 expression and histopathological examination. DEN/ CCL4 induced hepatotoxicity in G2 significantly increase serum lipid profile, liver enzymes, ALP, total & direct bilirubin, alpha-fetoprotein and liver MDA, meanwhile significantly decreased serum HDL-C, albumin, liver SOD, CAT, GSH and Caspase-3 expression when compared to control group. DEN /CCl4/ obese treated rats in G4 showed insignificantly changed lipid profile, while serum activities of ALT, ALP, as well as serum levels of total & direct bilirubin, alpha-fetoprotein, and Caspase-3 expression were significantly elevated, while AST, albumin and liver SOD were significantly decreased when compared with obese rats. This study highlights the ameliorative effects of obesity in delaying the progress of toxic effects of DEN / CCL4 on liver of obese rats.

Key words: Hepatotoxicity, Diethylnitrosamine (DEN), Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), Obese Rats