The aim of study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of borage oil containing predominantly gamma-linolenic acid in rats with alcoholic steatohepatitis. Liver of ethanol-treated animals was characterized by fatty and hydropic dystrophies. Liver triglyceride contents and activitiies of serum marker enzymes were significantly increased. Ethanol increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH)-induced chemiluminescence and the contents of liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The reduced glutathione content in the liver was decreased. Ethanol enhanced liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 (CYP450) content, aniline p-hydroxylase and amydopyrine-N-demethylase activities. The treatment with borage oil improved the liver morphology, decreased triglyceride contents and normalized serum marker enzyme activities. Borage oil developed an antioxidant effect in ethanol-treated rats. The treatment with this compound decreased NADPH-induced chemiluminescence and the content of lipid peroxidation products. Borage oil normalized CYP450 content compared with the ethanol-treated group. CYPI450 2E1 isoform is a main source of free oxygen radicals in the liver of ethanol-treated rats and we propose that the antioxidant effect of borage oil is realized via the normalization of CYP450 content and activities of CYP450-related microsomal oxidases, as borage oil can improve the lipid surrounding of CYP450. In our opinion, the hepatoprotection by borage oil in alcoholic steatosis is connected with its antioxidant properties.
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