ABSTRACT
The liver, a crucial organ responsible for regulating various physiological processes, is susceptible to harm from toxic substances like heavy metals. Among these, cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, is naturally present in the environment due to industrial activities, leading to contamination of water, soil, and food sources. The surge in industrialization has resulted in increased cases of metal poisoning, causing a range of health problems. This study aims to investigate how the amino acid glycine could ameliorate liver damage caused by cadmium exposure in adult Wistar rats. The study's objectives encompassed evaluating how cadmium impacts liver structure, appearance, and biological functions, while also assessing whether glycine could counteract any harmful effects. The research involved thirty adult Wistar rats that were split into six groups and subjected to various treatments over a period of 28 days. During this time, the animals' weight changes, liver weights, and Organo-somatic index were measured, and their biochemical markers were analyzed. To induce liver damage, a modified binge-drinking method was used. The findings showed that while cadmium exposure alone did not significantly influence the animals' body weight; it did lead to alterations in various biochemical indicators such as transaminases, albumin, total bilirubin, and total protein. Microscopic examination of liver tissues revealed damage caused by cadmium, including issues like vascular congestion, necrosis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Notably, administering a lower dose of glycine (500mg/kg) seemed to ameliorate the damage caused by cadmium, suggesting ameliorative effects for the liver. However, at a higher dose of glycine (1000mg/kg), while there was some improvement in the liver's architecture, it did not fully counteract certain aspects of damage such as necrosis and ulceration. In summary, this study underscores the possibility of glycine having a positive impact on mitigating liver damage induced by cadmium exposure in adult Wistar rats. The results imply that glycine could potentially serve as a ameliorative agent, particularly at lower doses. Further exploration is recommended to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and to determine appropriate dosage levels for potential therapeutic applications.
