BETAINE REDUCES HEPATIC LIPIDOSIS INDUCED BY CARBON-TETRACHLORIDE IN SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS

Carbon tetrachloride-injected rats were given liquid diets with and wi thout betaine for 7 d. Hepatic lipidosis was induced by 4 daily inject ions of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Animals were killed and their liv ers and blood taken for analysis of betaine. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM ), betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), triglyceride, alanin e aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Liver samples were also processed and stained for histological examination. Supplemental betaine reduced triglyceride in the liver and centrilobular hepatic li pidosis induced by the CCl4 injections. In both the control and experi mental groups receiving betaine, liver betaine, BHMT and SAM were sign ificantly higher than in their respective groups not receiving betaine . This study provides evidence that betaine protects the liver against CCl4-induced lipidosis and may be a useful therapeutic and prophylact ic agent in ameliorating the harmful effects of CCl4.