Effects of N-acetyl cysteine on lipid levels and on leukocyte and platelet count in rats after splenectomy.

INTRODUCTION

Many of studies have shown that increased lipid levels play a significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis after splenectomy. We investigated the effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on lipid parameters and leukocyte and platelet (PLT) levels following splenectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

32 Sprague-Dawley rats weighing from 200 to 250 g were placed into four experimental groups. For 42 days post-operatively, all rats were fed standard rat food and water and the rats in the first group ( n = 8) received no intraperitoneal infusion. Rats in the second group ( n = 6) were given a 50 mg/kg saline solution (SF); those in the third group ( n = 8) received 50 mg/kg NAC and the rats in the fourth group ( n = 8) were administered a 100 mg/kg NAC infusion intraperitoneally.

RESULTS

All parameters other than white blood cell count were significantly different between the four groups. There were no significant differences between the control and SF groups in terms of total cholesterol and PLT levels. Triglyceride (TG), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were significantly elevated in the SF group compared with the control rats. There was no statistically significant difference between the SF and NAC 50/100 groups in terms of low-density lipoprotein levels. Total cholesterol, TG, HDL and VLDL levels were significantly reduced and the PLT level was significantly elevated in the NAC 50 and NAC 100 groups compared with the SF group.

CONCLUSION

Serum VLDL and TG levels should be monitored in patients after splenectomy. For reduction in these lipid parameters, early NAC treatment should be initiated. More prospective larger studies are needed to confirm our results.