title: Treatment of ricin A-chain-induced hepatotoxicity with liposome-encapsulated N-acetylcysteine.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The toxicity of ricin resides in the ricin A-chain (RTA) and is attributed to the inhibition of protein synthesis but inflammation and oxidative stress have also been implicated. RTA can independently enter cells producing comparable tissue injury and inflammation, although at much higher concentrations than intact ricin. Treatment for exposure to ricin or RTA is supportive.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine the effectiveness of conventional or liposome-encapsulated N-acetylcysteine (Lipo-NAC) in ameliorating RTA-induced hepatotoxicity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four hours after RTA administration (90 µg/kg b.wt, iv), rats were treated with conventional NAC or Lipo-NAC (25 mg/kg NAC). The hepatoprotective effects of the antioxidant formulations were assessed by measuring indexes for liver injury (alanine [ALT] and aspartate [AST] aminotransferase activities), inflammation (myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor-α, chloramine levels), and oxidant response (lipid peroxidation, nitrotyrosine, glutathione levels) 24-h post-RTA exposure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Administration of RTA to animals resulted in hepatotoxicity as demonstrated by elevated plasma ALT and AST levels, increases in an inflammatory response, and increases in oxidant response. Treatment of animals with the antioxidant formulations reversed the RTA-induced hepatotoxicity, being most evident following the administration of Lipo-NAC.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  NAC, administered in a liposomal form, may serve as a potentially effective pharmacological agent in the treatment of RTA-induced liver injuries.
authors: Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Caroline
authors: C
authors: Buonocore
authors: Misagh
authors: M
authors: Alipour
authors: Abdelwahab
authors: A
authors: Omri
authors: Kresimir
authors: K
authors: Pucaj
authors: Milton G
authors: MG
authors: Smith
authors: Zacharias E
authors: ZE
authors: Suntres