Biochemical, morphological and molecular assessments of n butanol fraction of Phoenix dactylifera L. following exposure to inorganic mercury on the liver of Wistar rats
10.1186/s42826-024-00203-9
- Author:
Musa Garba ABUBAKAR
1
;
AN AGBON
;
SA MUSA
;
WO HAMMAN
;
SB OLADELE
Author Information
1. Microscopy and Stereology Research Unit, Department of Human Anatomy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
- Publication Type:RESEARCH
- From:Laboratory Animal Research
2024;40(2):181-196
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Mercury chloride (HgCl2 ) damages tissues it comes in contact with in sufficient concentration. This study evaluated the protective effects of n-butanol fraction of
Results:The results revealed that HgCl2 induced oxidative stress in the rats evident by histoarchitectural distortions and altered levels of liver enzymes, proteins, and oxidative stress biomarkers when compared to the control. However, BFPD treatment restored these changes. Glutathione peroxidase levels decreased (p < 0.05) in the HgCl2− treated group when compared to the control and BFPD-treated groups. HgCl2 group revealed reduced reactivity with histochemical and immunohistochemical stains (Masson’s Trichrome and B cell Lymphoma 2) when compared to the control, with a significant decrease in quantified liver Bcl-2 stain intensity when compared to the silymarin-treated group. BFPD administration revealed normal staining intensity comparable to the control. HgCl2 administration revealed a remarked decrease in the number of hepatocytes when compared to the control, BFPD, and silymarin groups. BFPD preserved (p < 0.05) the stereological features when compared to the HgCl2 -treated group. GPx activity in the liver decreased (p < 0.05) with HgCl2 administration when compared to the control and silymarin-treated groups. BFPD attenuated GPx gene activity to levels similar to the control indicating some level of amelioration against HgCl2 -induced toxicity.
Conclusions:The ability of BFPD to mitigate HgCl2 triggered liver alterations could be attributed to the antioxidant property of its flavonoid content. Therefore, BFPD may be a potential candidate for treating and managing liverinduced mercury intoxication.
