BACKGROUND: Hepatic steatosis due to estrogen therapy
increases the activity of inflammatory markers, particularly the
activity of TNFα which in turn induces more lipogenesis.
Omega-3 fatty acids are among the negative regulators of hepatic
lipogenesis. OBJECTIVES: In this research, the preventive effect
of omega-3 fatty acids on estrogen-induced steatosis in rats was
evaluated. METHODS:2 mg/kg. BW/SC of 17α-ethiny-lestrasdiol
were injected into 25 female wistar rats in 5 equal groups
(excluding the control group) over 10 consecutive days.
Simultaneously, 3 of estradiol-treated groups were orally given
250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. BW omega-3 fatty acids, respectively.
At the end of the experiment, plasma ALT, AST, and TNFα
level were determined. Histopathological changes in the liver
were also identified by the evaluation of samples stained with
H&E and Oil Red O. RESULTS: The histological findings
revealed hepatic microvesicular steatosis and fat deposit in
ethinylestradiol and, to a lesser extent, in the 250 mg/kg BW
omega-3 fatty acids groups. The plasma levels of AST, ALT, and
TNFα significantly increased in the ethinylestradiol group
compared to the control (p<0.05) and 1000 mg/kg. B.W omega-
3 group. Omega-3 fatty acids reduced these parameters in
comparison to the estradiol group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It
was concluded that 1000mg/kg.BW of omega-3 protects the
liver against steatotic injuries.