Changes Induced by Copper Toxicity in the Rat Liver and the Effects of Panax Ginseng on These Changes

Copper is a trace element that accumulates in the body and forms harmful effects. Panax ginseng is a plant that possesses antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether Panax ginseng protects the livers of rats exposed to copper sulfate. The rats were randomly divided into four groups as control, Panax ginseng, copper sulfate and Panax ginseng + copper sulfate. At the end of the trial, blood and liver samples were obtained from the animals. Biochemical analysis was carried out in blood samples. Oxidant and antioxidant parameters were analyzed in liver samples. In addition, liver tissue sections were stained with the hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome, periodic acid-Schiff, and rhodanine staining methods for histochemical and histopathological examinations. It was found that serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, also densities of copper and histopathological parameters except for central vein dilatation and malondialdehyde (MDA) value in the liver significantly increased in copper sulfate group compared to control group, but inflammatory cell infiltration and MDA value decreased in Panax ginseng + copper sulfate group compared to copper sulfate group. In addition, it was determined that glycogen density, glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the liver significantly decreased in copper sulfate group compared to control group, and they increased in Panax ginseng + copper sulfate group compared to copper sulfate group. As a result, copper sulfate causes structural and oxidative abnormalities in the liver. Additionally, Panax ginseng helps to protect liver tissue by diminishing oxidative damage in copper sulfate toxicity.