CoQ10 Attenuates Atrazine-Induced Hepatotoxicity: A Histological and Biochemical Study

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to elucidate the impact of oxidative stress on liver function and to explore the therapeutic potential of CoQ10 in mitigating this herbicide-induced hepatic toxicity. Study Design: Experimental study Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Anatomy department of Islamic International Medical College in cooperation with National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad from July 2023 to June 2024. Methods: Thirty adult male Sprague Dawley rats weighing between 200 and 250 g were split into three groups at random: Group A was the control group, Group B was the illness group that received atrazine treatment, and Group C was the intervention group that received both atrazine and CoQ10. As indicators of liver damage, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were examined. To evaluate structural alterations, liver samples were also examined histopathologically. Results: Atrazine exposure significantly increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, resulting in elevated liver enzyme levels and significant hepatocellular damage. CoQ10 supplementation mitigated these effects by reducing oxidative stress, restoring antioxidant enzyme activity, and normalizing liver enzyme levels (p < 0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed marked improvement in liver architecture with CoQ10 treatment. Conclusion: CoQ10 demonstrate strong hepatoprotective effects against atrazine-induced oxidative damage by reducing liver injury and restoring antioxidant defense mechanisms. These findings suggest its potential as a therapeutic agent for managing atrazine-induced hepatic injury.