Functions of CLA and ARA for prevention of CCl₄-induced fatty liver in mice

Oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induces acute hepatitis while Prostaglandins (PGs) are proposed to attenuate liver injury. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) influences the synthesis of PGs and Arachidonic Acid (ARA) is a precursor of PGs. Therefore, whether CLA or ARA attenuates the hepatitis induced by CCl₄ was investigated in mice. Male mice (age, 8 week) were given commercial diet and combinations of paraffin or CCl₄ solution with or without CLA or ARA oil were orally administered. Food intake and body weight were significantly reduced in the CCl₄, group. Although, no significant changes in liver weight were observed, liver triacylglycerol contents in the CCl₄+CLA and CCl₄+ARA groups were markedly higher than those in groups other than the CCl₄, group. Plasma AST and ALT levels were unusually elevated after CCl₄ administration irrespective of oil treatment. CCl₄+ARA treatment greatly increased PGE₂ content in the liver and followed by CCl₄+CLA treatment. In conclusion, co-administration of CLA and ARA enhanced liver PGE₂ levels after CCl₄, treatment but acute hepatitis was not attenuated.