This study was designed to investigate whether
resveratrol could provide protection against
Reye's syndrome induced by
4-pentenoic acid in Wistar albino rats. Compared with rats with untreated
Reye's syndrome, 1 h pretreatment by low dose
resveratrol (10 mg/kg by oral gavage) resulted in marked amelioration in liver functions in the form of significant decrease in serum
transaminases (AST, ALT) and plasma
ammonia levels, shortening of prothrombin time, and increase in
serum albumin levels. In addition,
resveratrol prohibited oxidative stress markers, as indicated by a significant increase in GSH and decrease in MDA, with restoration of complex I activity in liver tissues. The classical histopathological presentation in
Reye's syndrome of microvesicular steatosis by light microscope and mitochondria distortion by electron microscope has been improved by
resveratrol pretreatment. The efficient protection by
resveratrol was determined by normalization in serum levels of AST and
albumin, as well as complex I activity, GSH, and MDA. In conclusion, pretreatment by
resveratrol in low doses could protect against
Reye's syndrome partially via prohibition of oxidative stress and restoration of complex I activity. This may provide the opportunity to reconsider
aspirin therapy for infants and young children. However, the verification of such results in clinical practice remains a challenge.