Investigation of the Effect of N Acetylcysteine Against Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs Induced Liver Toxicity

Tuberculosis is one of the major health problems in developing countries. Isoniazid, rifampin and pyrazinamide, the first line drugs used for tuberculosis chemotherapy, are associated with hepatotoxicity. The rate of hepatotoxicity has been reported to be much higher in developing countries compared to that in advanced countries with a similar dose schedule. Oxidative stress has proposed as one of the mechanisms responsible for anti-tuberculosis drugs induced hepatic injury. The oxidative stress is closely associated with decrease of glutathione levels. In the present study N acetylcysteine, a precursor of glutathione, was investigated for hepatoprotective effect against anti-tuberculosis drugs induced liver injury.