Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (Apr 2018)
Effect of Shilajit on the Levels of Pro-inflammatory and Anti-inflammation Cytokines in Hepatic Injury in Male Rats
Abstract
Background and purpose: Cytokines regulate a broad range of biological and pathological processes. They play an important role in liver damage. Inflammatory and antioxidant factors are important causes of liver damage. Shilajit is known as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine the effect of Shilajit on levels of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in liver injury. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 80 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two main groups: A and B. Each group was organized into five subgroups: control, acetaminophen (A) or bile duct obstruction (BDL) (B), low dose, high dose, and vehicle. All subgroups except the controls in group A received 500 mg/ kg acetaminophen via IP injection, while BDL was performed in all subgroups in group B. Then in group A, two hours and in group B seven days after injury, the treatment subgroups with drug and vehicle received 150 mg/kg (low dose) and 250 mg/kg (high dose)shilajit and distilled water as vehicle, for one and six days, respectively. After completing treatment, liver samples were taken for laboratory analysis. Results: Low-dose Shilajit treatment reduced IL-10, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF- α levels, which had been increased by a single dose of 500 mg/kg acetaminophen (p<0.05). Conclusion: Shilajit is effective in reducing inflammation and liver damage caused by high-dose consumption of acetaminophen.
