Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Biochemistry and Nutrition Department- Women’s College, Ain Shams University
2
Chemistry Department- Science College, Port Said University
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of fresh, dried apricot and its kernel added to diet (10% and 20% w\w) on paracetamol (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol , APAP)-induced cellular toxicity in rats. Eighty male albino rats were used in this study, divided into 8 groups 10 rats each. Gp (1): set as healthy control, Gp (2) set as APAP-affected control. Gps (3-4) fed on diet supplemented with fresh apricot (10% & 20% w\w), Gps (5-6) fed on diet supplemented with dried apricot (10% & 20% w\w). Gps (7-8) fed on diet supplemented with apricot kernel (10% & 20% w\w). After 6 weeks, rats from groups (2:8) were injected with a single dose, i.p injection, of APAP (500 mg\kg body weight). After 24 h of injection, rats were sacrificed under diethyl ether anesthesia. Serum and tissue samples were collected to perform the biochemical analysis. Serum liver function tests [total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, direct and indirect bilirubin, the activities of alanine amino transferase (ALT), asparatet amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were measured. Moreover, serum kidney function tests (urea, creatinine, and uric acid), and serum lipids profile were measured. Also, antioxidant status was evaluated by measuring reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver and kidney homogenate. The results were supported with microscopic examination of liver and kidney tissues. The results of this study revealed that administration of APAP caused marked reduction in serum total protein, albumin and tissue GSH, in association with elevation of serum bilirubin, activities of AST, ALT, ALP, urea, creatinine, uric acid, lipids profile, and tissue MDA. On the other hand, supplementation of diet with fresh, dried apricots and apricot kernel had protective effect on liver and kidney tissues that was manifested by improving liver and kidney functions, antioxidant status, and lipids profile. The microscopic examination of liver and kidney tissues showed also amelioration in the appearance of cells. The protective effect of apricot and its kernel is due to their antioxidant potential that is represented by their rich content of dietary fibers, β-carotene, vitamin C, tocopherols, flavonoids, poly unsaturated fatty acids, and some polyphenols that appears to protect against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequently APAP toxicity.
Keywords
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