The plant growth regulator, gibberellic acid (GA3), is extensively utilized in agriculture across many countries to hasten the maturation of vegetable and fruit crops. However, there are numerous harmful effects caused by its residues in food. This work aimed to evaluate the possible protection of Chlorella vulgaris (CV) extract against gibberellic acid-induced hepatic injury in male albino rats. Forty male rats were allocated randomly into 4 groups (n=10). The control group received a daily oral gavage of 0.9% normal saline. The CV group was administered an oral dose of CV extract at 70mg/kg body weight, diluted in 0.9% normal saline, once daily for four weeks. The GA3 group received gibberellic acid (GA3) at a dose of 55mg/kg body weight via oral gavage daily for four weeks. In the GA3 + CV co-treatment group, rats were orally gavaged with CV extract (70mg/kg BW) one hour prior to GA3 administration (55mg/kg BW) each day for four weeks. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were significantly elevated in the GA3-treated group, indicating hepatic injury. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and caspase-3 expression levels in liver tissue were significantly increased, reflecting enhanced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Conversely, the antioxidant defence system was markedly impaired, as evidenced by reduced activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Administration of CV extract significantly (P<0.05) attenuated GA3-induced hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress, while restoring SOD and CAT activities in liver tissues. Histopathological analysis of liver sections from the GA3 group revealed cytoplasmic vacuolization, cellular degeneration, necrosis, and interstitial fibrosis. These histological alterations were notably ameliorated by CV extract treatment, suggesting a protective modulatory effect against GA3-induced hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, CV extract exerts hepatoprotective effects by mitigating oxidative damage, reducing inflammation, and preserving liver histoarchitecture in GA3-induced hepatic injury.

To Cite This Article: Melebary SJ, 2025. The protective effect of chlorella vulgaris against gibberellic acid (ga3)-induced liver injury in male albino rats. Pak Vet J, 45(2): 673-682. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2025.151