Evaluation of the Effect of Harmaline on the Serum Level of Liver Index Enzymes in a Model of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver of Male NMRI Mice

Right now, one of the most common liver disorders is fatty liver, on the rise in the world today due to the poor lifestyle of those suffering from it. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the active ingredient of Peganum harmala, harmaline, on serum levels of liver index enzymes in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver. In this study, 40 adult male NMRI mice were divided into five groups of 8, including control, HFD, sham (HFD received distilled water, a harmaline solvent.), harmaline receiving 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. Harmaline was injected intraperitoneally for four weeks. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lipid profile (cholesterol, LDL, and HDL) were measured to assess liver function. The activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver tissue were evaluated. Histological studies were performed using Hematoxylin-Eosin staining in liver tissue. Serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, cholesterol, LDL were significantly decreased in the groups treated with harmaline and the levels of antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and SOD were significantly increased in the treated groups. HDL levels increased significantly in harmaline-treated groups. The results indicated the antioxidant properties of harmaline, one of the most important alkaloids of Peganum harmala..