The protective efficacy of spirulina against bacterial endotoxin potentiated alcoholic liver disease

Abstract One of the most important factors for the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the activation of immune cells residing in the liver by a substance called endotoxin, which is released by the bacteria living in the intestine. Alcohol consumption can lead to increased endotoxin levels in the blood and liver, which activates Kupffer cell leading to fibrosis. Novel approaches to inhibit these processes might help to prevent ALD. The present study was aimed to find out the protective effect of spirulina on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) potentiated alcoholic liver disease. Male albino Wister rats were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 received isocaloric glucose. Group 2 received spirulina (500 mg/kg b.w.). Hepatic injury was induced in groups 3–5 by administrating 20% ethanol (5 g/kg b.w for 10 days). Groups 4 and 5 were challenged with LPS on the 11th day of the experimental period. Group 5 was co-administered with spirulina. LPS challenged by alcohol treated rats showed a marked elevation in circulatory lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and hepatic marker enzymes. Liver of LPS challenged alcoholic rats showed marked inflammatory cell infiltrates and fatty changes. Co-administration of spirulina showed reduction in biochemical and histological changes toward near normal.