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Crocin mitigates γ-rays-induced hepatic toxicity in rats

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Abstract

Crocin (C44H64O24) is an isolated bioactive molecule of saffron extract. It has different pharmacological effects such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In the present study, radioprotective property of crocin was investigated in the rat liver. Thirty-two rats were equally divided into four groups: (1) control (normal saline), (2) crocin (200 mg/kg), (3) γ-rays (6Gy), and (4) crocin plus γ-rays-treated groups. The liver histopathology, serum transaminases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and hepatic lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) have been assessed. The histopathological result of hepatic tissue in group 3 showed hydropic degeneration and this progressed to focal or spotty necrosis through the lobule. Moreover, some sinusoids are distended with blood or with leukocytic infiltrations. Other cases in group 3 showed periportal leukocytic infiltrations and necrosis extended out from the portal tract to involve hepatic lobules with fibrinous necrosis in portal vessels, while the examination of hepatic tissues of group 4 showed reduced deformities, irregular arrangement, congested hepatic vessels, and necrosis in hepatocytes. The results also showed significant decreased level of liver function activities, inflammatory markers, lipid peroxidation, and increased levels of liver antioxidants enzymes in group 4. Crocin showed moderate protective effect against γ-rays-induced liver toxicity. The antioxidant effect of crocin may be a major reason for its positive impact on liver parameters.

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Acknowledgements

We are thankful to our colleagues in Health Radiation Research Department for providing laboratory conveniences, and technicians of the National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, for providing the fundamental irradiation services. This work was done in the NCRRT, Egypt.

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Correspondence to Sameh Soliman Tawfik.

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All experiments were performed in accordance with Research Ethics Committee (REC, NCRRT) Number 13A/18.

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The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

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Highlights

1. Exposure to whole-body 6Gy γ-rays induced hepatotoxicity and histopathological alterations in liver tissues of rats.

2. Crocin is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxicity, and anti-stress agent.

3. Crocin has effectiveness against γ-rays-induced liver toxicity.

4. Crocin might reduce inflammation associated with γ-rays-induced hepatotoxicity.

5. Crocin has moderate impact on liver disease.

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Tawfik, S.S., Elkady, A.A. & El khouly, W.A. Crocin mitigates γ-rays-induced hepatic toxicity in rats. Environ Sci Pollut Res 26, 15414–15419 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-04724-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-04724-y

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