N-acetylcysteine and glycyrrhizin combination: Benefit outcome in a murine model of acetaminophen-induced liver failure

Figure 5 Acetaminophen overdose induced hepatic glutathione depletion and oxidative stress. A: Hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in mice treated with N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 150 mg/kg), glycyrrhizin (GL, 200 mg/kg) or NAC/GL, at the same time of acetaminophen (APAP) injection (10 mice in each group). Mice were scarified 12 h after APAP administration. Assessment was performed using colorimetric assay kit. The enzyme concentration obtained is expressed as nmol of enzyme per milligram of protein using bovine serum as a standard; B: Glutathione (GSH)/the oxidized state (GSSG) ratio was evaluated in the same group of mice using fluorometric assay kit. In two separate assay reactions, GSH (reduced) was measured directly with a GSH standard and total GSH (GSH + GSSG) was measured by using a GSSG standard. Fluorescence measurement was performed at Ex/Em = 490/520 nm. Results are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. ^cP < 0.05, ^dP < 0.01, ^eP < 0.001 vs APAP.