Protective effects of extra virgin olive oil against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in Wistar albino rats

Background: Paracetamol is an extensively used analgesic and antipyretic drug which Is widely available without a prescription. An overdose of paracetamol can cause liver damage. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) Is an organic product which has an antioxidant effect against liver toxicity. The aim of the present study was to Investigate the protective effect of EVOO against the hepatotoxlclty Induced by an overdose of paracetamol In the liver of rats. Material and Methods: Forty adult male rats were used In this study, and were divided Into four groups often rats. Group 1: rats were given distilled water orally and were considered the control group; group 2: rats were given paracetamol orally at a dally dose of 650 mg/kg body weight; group 3: rats were given EVOO orally at a dally dose of 2 mL/kg body weight; group 4: rats were given paracetamol orally (650 mg/kg) and EVOO (2 mL/kg body weight). Blood and liver samples were collected after 15 days of treatment and were prepared for histological, ultrastructural and physiological analyses. Results: Several hlstopathologlcal and ultrastructural changes were observed In group 2, In which rats received paracetamol only. Including cell degeneration, lipid droplets, pyknotlc nuclei, disrupted rER, proliferated sER, changes In mitochondrial structure and congested and expanded blood vessels. Moreover, a significant Increase (p Improvement In histology, ultrastructure of hepatocytes and blood parameters. A significant decrease (p Conclusions: The results obtained In this study Indicated that EVOO has a protective effect against paracetamol overdose-induced hepatotoxlclty.