Allium sativum protects against PFOA-induced hepatotoxicity

What is it about?

Background: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a human-made compound characterized by its persistence and bioaccumulation in humans, raising great health issues. Allium sativum (Garlic) is a popular plant in Mediterranean culture exhibiting beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Aim of the work: was to study the hepatotoxic impact of PFOA and the probable mitigative role of Allium sativum against PFOA-induced hepatotoxicity. Material and Methods: 50 Albino rats (adult male) were used and divided into 5 equal groups: Control, Vehicle (distilled water), Allium sativum ethanolic extract (300 mg per kg), PFOA (25 mg per kg), and PFOA + Allium sativum. All groups were administered orally for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, samples of blood were obtained to detect serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Liver samples were tested for malondialdehyde (MDA), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and inflammatory nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) levels. Expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein1 (Keap1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR α) genes were determined. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were also conducted. Results: PFOA altered liver enzymes, reduced antioxidants, increased MDA and NF-κB levels, downregulated Nrf2 and PPAR α, and upregulated Keap1 gene expressions. Histopathological examinations revealed liver damage besides strong caspase 3 immunoreaction. Allium sativum co-treatment lowered liver enzymes, reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, regulated Nrf2-Keap1/PPAR α pathways, and improved histological alterations. Conclusion: Allium sativum protects against PFOA-induced hepatotoxicity mostly via regulating Nrf2-Keap1/PPAR α pathway.

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Why is it important?

Perfluorooctanoic acid exerted detrimental effects on the liver of albino rats as reflected by the altered liver enzymes, disturbed oxidative and inflammatory indices, and dysregulated Nrf2-Keap1/PPAR α pathways. Co-administration of ethanolic extract of Allium sativum could efficiently ameliorate liver enzymes, redox mismatch, and inflammatory response besides regulating Nrf2-Keap1/PPAR α pathways.

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