Exposure to aqueous-alcoholic extract of parsley leaves (petroselinum crispum) in lead-treated rats alleviate liver damage

Abstract

Lead (Pb) poisoning and the induced potential of the lesion is a global concern with harmful effects on multiple body systems, particularly the liver system. In this study, we have investigated the efficacy of aqueous-alcoholic extract of parsley leaves (PAE), which is a component of flavonoids that could play an important role in the antioxidant property, in preventing liver Pb-damages. For this, sixty adult male rats were randomly divided into six groups in a factorial arrangement: control; receiving oral gavage for 21 days with 2 ml water; 500 ppm Pb; 100 and 200 mg/kg PAE in combination form with Pb, and 200 mg/kg PAE. Liver enzymes and oxidative stress indexes were computed for liver stress, in blood serum. Apoptosis levels were assessed in the evaluation of liver gene expression. Data indicated that Pb reduced liver weight and feed intake. The results showed that Pb significantly increased the liver enzymes contents in the blood serum in the comparison vehicle group. Furthermore, the MDA contents of the Pb group rats were significantly more than that of the vehicle group. Likewise, T-AOC and the activities of CAT and SOD were significantly reduced. Meanwhile, Pb administration induced liver apoptosis-related genes by upregulating Bax and TNF-α genes and downregulating the Bcl-2 gene of animals. At the same time, administration of PAE significantly improved liver oxidative and apoptosis changes. Thus, this study provides a novel mechanistic approach concerning Pb-induced toxicity, due to PAE antioxidant activity.

Keywords

• lead
• stress
• liver
• apoptosis
• parsley leaves