Protective role of Coenzyme Q10 on ultrastructure effect of sodium fluoride on the liver of adult male albino rats

Abstract

Background and aim Fluoride causes liver function impairment, decrease in metabolic activities, and inhibits certain antioxidant enzymes and molecules. This study aims to clarify the possible histological alterations caused by sodium fluoride (NaF) on the liver structure and the potential protective role of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against NaF. Materials and methods Thirty adult albino male rats weighing about 200–250 g were equally divided into three groups. The first is the control group, the second received NaF in a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for 30 days, and the third group received CoQ10 in a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for 30 days and NaF. The rats were killed when the experiment was finished by inhalation of ether. The liver tissue samples were treated for light and electron microscopy. Results In NaF-treated group, the hepatocytes lost their regular configuration in liver cords that radiate from the central vein with dilated blood sinusoids separating them. Disorganization of cytoplasm was observed with destructed mitochondria and destructed rough endoplasmic reticulum. The nucleus was heterochromatic, irregular, and showed nuclear membrane deformity. The blood sinusoids were dilated and filled with red blood cells. In the protective group with CoQ10 a partial recovery occurred. The hepatocyte became nearly normal with few changes as some vaculations in the cytoplasm and dilated in blood sinusoids. Conclusion NaF has deteriorating effects on the liver and CoQ10 has protective effects against these changes and produced a significant improvement.

Keywords

• coenzyme q10; liver; sodium fluoride; ultrastructure