Effects of Thymus daenensis on inflammatory factors and liver toxicity induced by thioacetamide in rats

Abstract

Introduction: Thioacetamide (TAA) intoxication is underlying acute liver damage, inflammation, and tissue necrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate of Thymus daenensis extract effect on acute liver disease induced by the thioacetamide and its effects on the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) cytokines. Methods: In an experimental study, 36 male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 each. The amount of 0.03-g thioacetamide dissolved in 1 mL of distilled water was injected intraperitoneally to all mice groups except the control group for 3 weeks, twice a week. The negative control group received only thioacetamide and the other groups received 8 mg/kg silibinin by gavage, other than to thioacetamide. The experimental groups, after injection of thioacetamide were treated with 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg extract of T. daenensis for 2 weeks. Peripheral blood samples were taken from the rats’ hearts after general anesthesia. Then, TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines levels were measured by Elisa kits. Pathology evaluation was also examined on liver. Results: TNF-α and IL-6 levels decreased in the groups treated with 5 mg/mL (respectively, P = 0.001, P = 0.05), 10 mg/mL (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively) and 20 mg/mL (P < 0.001, P < 0.001) extracts compared to thioacetamide group. Histopathological studies indicated that liver lesions were improved in mice treated with T. daenensis extract compared with thioacetamide group. Conclusion: Thymus daenensis extract has anti-inflammatory and protective effects on liver toxicity induced by thioacetamide. Hence, it might be used for this purpose or for similar toxicities.

Keywords

• Thioacetamide
• Medicinal plants
• Thyme daenensis
• TNF cytokines
• IL-6 cytokine