Paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity (
APAP) causes severe damage that may be irreversible. Understanding the evolution of liver injury caused by overdose of the drug is important to assist in the treatment. In the present study, we evaluated the acute intoxication by
APAP (500 mg/kg) in periods of 3 and 12 hours in C57BL/6 mice through biochemical, histological, inflammatory parameters, and the redox status. The results showed that in the 3-hour period there was an increase in
creatinine dosage and lipid peroxidation (
TBARS) compared to the control group. In the period of 12 hours after
APAP intoxication all parameters evaluated were altered; there was an increase of ALT, AST, and
necrosis, besides the increase of redox status
biomarkers as carbonylated
protein,
TBARS, and MMP-9. We also observed activation of the
inflammasome pathway as well as a reduction in the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes with a decrease in binucleated liver cells. In
cytochrome gene expression, the
mRNA level increased in
CYP2E1 isoenzyme and reduced
CYP1A2 expression. This study indicated that early treatment is necessary to mitigate
APAP-induced acute liver injury, and
alternative therapies capable of controlling the progression of intoxication in the liver are needed.