Transient Spark Plasma-Treated L-Cysteine Reduces CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Cold plasmas have been considered an effective method in numerous scientific fields. One excellent target for plasma treatment is amino acids. Transient spark plasma discharge (TSP) is very useful in changing the chemical structures of biological systems due to its high electron density. TSP discharges as DC-driven self-pulsing discharges allow ionization and effective chemical processes to be performed easily. This type of plasma discharge consists of numerous streamers with a high electric field that can be transferred into short spark current pulses. In this study, we utilized a pin-to-ring TSP with a fixed voltage and frequency of ~ 5 kV and 220 Hz, respectively. The present study was conducted to estimate the synergetic effect of a TSP device and cysteine (Cys) in stopping hepatotoxicity. The interaction of Ar plasma with Cys solution was investigated by LCMS/MS, revealing that many new biochemical products with different molecular weights were produced under plasma treatment. Glutathione (GSH) level and DPPH scavenging activity were performed. Biochemical markers and histopathological analysis were also evaluated. Results revealed that by increased levels of GSH and anti-oxidant activity, PTC solution can preserve as opposed to injuries caused by CCl₄ injection to a greater extent than untreated Cys even at a low dose of amino acid. The ALP, ALT, and AST activity levels were closer to the normal level when PTC was received than Cys. After receiving PTC, more positive liver and kidney tissue changes were observed in the CCl₄ group. It also had a great impact on oxidative antioxidant parameters. Therefore, PTC as an effective drug has shown a positive effect in inhibiting hepatotoxicity because it contains various biomolecules under the influence of the plasma-produced reactive species.