N-Acetylcysteine reduces the neurotoxic effects of propionic acid in rat pups

Propionic acid, a metabolite produced by intestinal bacteria, has been implicated in autism. N-Acetylcysteine is a well-known antioxidant. The present study investigated the protective effects of N-Acetylcysteine on propionic acid-induced neurotoxicity in rat pups. Male Western albino rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as the normal control group, the second was treated with propionic acid (PA group), the third group received propionic acid followed by N-Acetylcysteine (PANA group), and the fourth group received N-Acetylcysteine followed by propionic acid (NAPA group). In the PA group, there was a significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity, decrease in glutathione levels, and decrease in sodium levels (P < 0.05, all comparisons). Calcium and potassium levels did not significantly change. Additionally, urea and lipid peroxide levels were significantly elevated in propionic acid-intoxicated rats and significantly rescued in the N-Acetylcysteine-treated groups (P < 0.05, all comparisons). These results indicate that N-Acetylcysteine can both protect against and treat propionic acid intoxication.