A comparison of the potential of melatonin and tryptophan to ameliorate CCl ₄ -induced hepatic and renal toxicity in Wistar rats

CCl₄ causes oxidative injury, fatty degeneration, fibrosis of the liver, renal failure, and even hepatocellular and renal carcinoma. Certain substances have the potential to neutralize the harmful effects of CCl₄, so it will lead to numerous beneficial effects. Melatonin (MEL) is a powerful antioxidant that regulates circadian rhythm and has beneficial effects on organism; tryptophan (TRP) is its precursor necessary for the synthesis of MEL. The aim of the current study was to determine whether MEL and TRP, have protective effects during subchronic application of CCl₄ to the liver and kidneys. Results suggest that CCl₄ led to decrease of total proteins, albumins, globulins, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit; and increase of creatinine, AST, ALT values, and leukocytes. MEL and TRP both showing protective effects on regulation of serum proteins, albumins, globulins, A/G, AST, ALT, and creatinine levels. TRP had been shown to have potential in regulation of disbalanced hematological parameters caused by CCl₄. TRP had beneficial effects on hepatocyte morphology in term of beaded chromatin and preserved cell morphology. Overall, oral supplementation of TRP had better protective effects on liver/kidneys compared to MEL.