HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF NARINGENIN ON ARSENIC-INDUCED LIVER INJURY IN RATS

摘要

Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of naringenin (Ng) against arsenic (As)-induced oxidative stress in the liver of experimental rats. Arsenic is a major environmental pollutant and is known for its wide toxic manifestations. Naringenin is a naturally occurring citrus flavonone which has been reported to have a wide range of pharmacological properties. Methods: Forty male rats were randomly divided into four groups where the first was served as a control, whereas the remaining groups were respectively treated with naringenin (50 mg/kg b.w.), sodium arsenite (5.55 mg/kg b.w.) and a combination of sodium arsenite and naringen. Results: Exposure of rats to (As) caused a significant increase in liver MDA level compared to control, but the coadministration of (Ng) was effective in reducing its level. The enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase(CAT)of As-treated group were found to be lower compared to the control and the (Ng)-treated group. On the other hand, a significant increase in activities of AST, ALT and ALP were observed in As-treated group. The co-administration of (Ng) has decreased the activities of AST, ALT and ALP and thus co-administration of (Ng) had an additive protective effect on liver enzyme activities and improved the antioxidant status as well. Conclusion: To conclude, the results suggest that As exposure enhanced an oxidative stress by disturbing the tissue antioxidant defense system, but the (Ng) co-administration protected liver tissues against As intoxication probably owing to its antioxidant properties. Keywords: Arsenic, Naringenin, Oxidative stress, Hepatic activity