Preventive effect of omega-3 fatty acids on ethinyl estradiolinduced hepatosteatosis in female wistar rat

BACKGROUND: Hepatic steatosis due to estrogen therapy increases the activity of inflammatory markers, particularly the activity of TNFα which in turn induces more lipogenesis. Omega-3 fatty acids are among the negative regulators of hepatic lipogenesis. OBJECTIVES: In this research, the preventive effect of omega-3 fatty acids on estrogen-induced steatosis in rats was evaluated. METHODS: 2 mg/kg. BW/SC of 17α-ethiny-lestrasdiol were injected into 25 female wistar rats in 5 equal groups (excluding the control group) over 10 consecutive days. Simultaneously, 3 of estradiol-treated groups were orally given 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. BW omega-3 fatty acids, respective- ly. At the end of the experiment, plasma ALT, AST, and TNFα level were determined. Histopathological changes in the liver were also identified by the evaluation of samples stained with H&E and Oil Red O. RESULTS: The histological findings revealed hepatic microvesicular steatosis and fat deposit in ethinylestradiol and, to a lesser extent, in the 250 mg/kg BW omega-3 fatty acids groups. The plasma levels of AST, ALT, and TNFα significantly increased in the ethinylestradiol group compared to the control (p<0.05) and 1000 mg/kg. B.W omega- 3 group. Omega-3 fatty acids reduced these parameters in comparison to the estradiol group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that 1000mg/kg.BW of omega-3 protects the liver against steatotic injuries.