Effects of Phorbol Myristate Acetate on the Liver: a Biochemical and Ultrastructural Study

Authors: MEMDUHA GÜLHAL BOZKIR, UFUK Ö. METE, ÖZKAN OĞUZ

Abstract: The effects of free radicals in the liver tissue of 20 mice were studied. The mice, separated into acute and chronic groups, were injected with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) to trigger the release of free radicals. For evaluation of the effects of free radicals, malandialdehyde (MDA) measurement and electron microscopic examination were performed. The results showed that the level of lipid peroxide in the chronic PMA group was significantly higher than it was in the acute PMA group (P<0.005). In the electron microscopic examination of liver biopsy materials of the acute group, a disruption of the inner mitochondrial membranes, an increase in lysosomes and a slight dilatation of the granular endoplasmic reticulum were observed. However, these structural changes were more prominent in the chronic group. It is concluded that injection of PMA results in the formation of free radicals and liver degeneration.

Keywords: free radicals, phorbol myristate acetate, malandialdehyde, liver, ultrastructure

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