Protective Effects of Vitamins C and K2 on L-Ornithine-Induced Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Histopathological Alterations in Rats
The liver is highly susceptible to oxidative stress and systemic inflammation that may be triggered by L-ornithine-induced acute pancreatitis. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes redox imbalance, increases lipid peroxidation, and depletes endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH), while reducing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD). This study investigated whether vitamins C and K2 could protect against L-ornithine-induced hepatic injury, either separately or in combination, by enhancing antioxidant defense, reducing lipid peroxidation, maintaining hepatocyte integrity, and attenuating histopathological liver injury. Twenty-five adult female white albino rats weighing 200–250 grams were randomly divided into five experimental groups: healthy control, L-ornithine-treated control, vitamin C-treated, vitamin K2-treated, and combined vitamin C + K2-treated groups. Liver injury was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of L-ornithine (3 g/kg). Vitamin C (100 mg/kg) and K2 (200 mg/kg) were administered separately or in combination for one month. Blood serum and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological examination, respectively. L-ornithine caused a notable decrease in SOD activity and GSH levels, accompanied by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. All three treatment groups improved these indicators of oxidative stress. Histopathological evaluation demonstrated marked inflammatory changes and disruption of the overall hepatic architecture in the L-ornithine-treated group. Vitamin C and K2 attenuated these pathological changes, while the combined treatment showed the greatest histopathological improvement. These findings suggest that vitamins C and K2 may have protective effects against L-ornithine-associated hepatic injury, with combined administration showing the greatest histopathological improvement.