Morphological and biochemical effects of weekend alcohol consumption in rats: Role of concentration and gender

Abstract

Aim: To examine the association between weekend alcohol consumption and the biochemical and histological alterations at two different concentrations of alcohol in both genders in rats.

Methods: Wistar rats weighing 170-200 g were divided into groups as follows: (1) Control groups; and (2) weekend alcohol-consumption group: 2 d/weekly per 12 wk, at two different concentrations: (1) Group of males or females with a consumption of a solution of alcohol at 40%; and (2) group of males or females with a consumption of a solution of alcohol at 5%. At the end of the experiment, serum and liver samples were obtained. The following enzymes and metabolites were determined in serum: Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Lactate Dehydrogenase, and Gamma-Glutamyltransferase, and glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, bilirubin, and albumin. Liver samples from each group were employed to analyze morphological abnormalities by light microscopy.

Results: In all of the weekend alcohol-consumption groups, AST activity presented a significant, 10-fold rise. Regarding ALT activity, the groups with weekend alcohol consumption presented a significant increase that was six times greater. Bilirubin levels increased significantly in both groups of females. We observed a significant increase in the parameters of fatty change and inflammation due to weekend alcohol consumption. Only the group of females that consumed alcohol at 40% presented slight hepatocellular disorganization.

Conclusion: The results obtained herein provide solid evidence that weekend alcohol consumption gives rise to liver damage, demonstrated by biochemical and histological alterations, first manifested acutely, and prolonged weekend alcohol consumption can cause greater, irreversible damage.

Keywords: Damage; Liver morphology; Transaminases; Weekend alcohol consumption.

Figure 1

Activities of serum Aspartate and Alanine Aminotransferases after weekend alcohol consumption. Values are expressed as the mean ± SEM in each experimental group (n = 3-6). ^aP < 0.05 vs the control group. AST: Aspartate Aminotransferase; ALT: Alanine Aminotransferase.

Figure 2

Activities of serum Lactate Dehydrogenase and Gamma-Glutamyltransferase after weekend alcohol consumption. Values are expressed as the mean ± SEM in each experimental group (n = 3-6). ^aP < 0.05 vs the control group. LDH: Lactate Dehydrogenase; GGT: Gamma-Glutamyltransferase.

Figure 3

Hepatic histology of the group of females with weekend alcohol consumption at 5%. A: Image of the control group; B-D: Images of the group of females with alcohol consumption at 5%. A: Hepatocytes were observed as formed in a line (40 ×); B: A zone of less pigmentation is observed, marked with black arrows, corresponding to periportal necrosis (40 ×); C: Slight inflammation with blue-colored cells (leukocytes) around the portal vein, which do not surpass the limiting plaque (yellow arrows) (60 ×); D: In the lower left part, steatosis is observed (60 ×). V: Portal vein; BC: Bile canaliculus. Hematoxylin and Eosin stain.

Figure 4

Hepatic histology of the group of males with weekend alcohol consumption at 5%. A: Image of the control group; B-D: Images of the group of males with alcohol consumption at 5%. A: The uniformity of the structures is observed to be conserved (40 ×); B: Presence of fine and thick steatosis (pigmentation-diminution zone in the cytoplasm), inflammation present with leukocytes in single file around the portal vein (yellow arrows) (40 ×); C: Important inflammation is observed, represented by leukocytes around the portal vein and in the Bile Canaliculus (BC) (yellow arrows) (40 ×); D: Fine as well as thick steatosis is observed (pigmentation-diminution zone in the cytoplasm), as well as leukocyte infiltrate (yellow arrow) (100 ×). V: Portal Vein; BC: Bile canaliculus. Hematoxylin and Eosin stain.

Figure 5

Hepatic histology of the group of females with weekend alcohol consumption at 40%. A: Image of the control group; B-D: Images of the group of females with alcohol consumption at 40%. A: The uniformity of the structures is observed to be conserved (40 ×); B: Periportal fibrosis, loss of cells around the portal vein (black arrows) (40 ×); C: Fine and thick steatosis and leukocytes in single file around the portal vein and some that emerge from the limiting plaque (yellow arrows) (60 ×); D: Both fine and thick steatosis and single-file leukocytes are observed (100 ×). V: Portal Vein; BC: Bile canaliculus. Hematoxylin and Eosin stain.

Figure 6

Hepatic histology of the group of males of 40%. A: Image of the control group; B-D: Images of the group of males with alcohol consumption at 40%. A: The conserved, uniformized structures of the form and size of the hepatocytes are observed (40 ×); B: Periportal fibrosis is observed (black arrows) (40 ×); C: Leukocytes are observed in a cited single file (yellow arrows) (40 ×); D: Fine and thick steatosis is observed (zone with less pigment inside the cellular cytoplasm of the hepatocyte), leukocytes (yellow arrow), and the apoptotic cell (point of the black arrow) (60 ×). V: Portal Vein; BC: Bile canaliculus. Hematoxylin and Eosin stain.