Effect of quercetin on cadmium fluoride-induced alterations in hydroxyproline/collagen content in mice liver

Protective Role of Quercetin in Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Toxicity in Rat Brain: Biochemical, Spectrophotometric Assays and Computational Approach

Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) induces oxidative stress by free radical toxicities, inflammation, and neurotoxicity. Quercetin (Q), on the other hand, has a role as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and free radical-scavenging. This study explored protection given by quercetin against CCL4 induced neurotoxicity in rats at given concentrations. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups Group C: control group; Group CCL4: given a single oral dose of 1 mL/kg bw CCL4; Group Q: given a single i.p injection of 100 mg/kg bw quercetin; and Group Q + CCL4: given a single i.p injection of 100 mg/kg bw quercetin before two hours of a single oral dose of 1 mL/kg bw CCL4. The results from brain-to-body weight ratio, morphology, lipid peroxidation, brain urea, ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, sodium, and enzyme alterations (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), catalase, and superoxide dismutase) suggested alterations by CCL4 and a significant reversal of these parameters by quercetin. In silico analysis of quercetin with various proteins was conducted to understand the molecular mechanism of its protection. The results identified by BzScore4 D showed moderate binding between quercetin and the following receptors: glucocorticoids, estrogen beta, and androgens and weak binding between quercetin and the following proteins: estrogen alpha, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARγ), Herg k+ channel, Liver x, mineralocorticoid, progesterone, Thyroid α, and Thyroid β. Three-dimensional/four-dimensional visualization of binding modes of quercetin with glucocorticoids, estrogen beta, and androgen receptors was performed. Based on the results, a possible mechanism is hypothesized for quercetin protection against CCL4 toxicity in the rat brain.

Amelioration of thioacetamide-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats by rutin

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of rutin on hepatotoxicity induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in rats. Four groups of male Wistar rats consisting of six rats each were used: Group I: control group; Group II: rats receiving single injection of 300 mg kg⁻¹ body weight of TAA intraperitoneally; Group III: rats administered rutin (10 mg kg⁻¹ body weight) dissolved in saline orally for 2 weeks; and Group IV: rats administered rutin (10 mg kg⁻¹ body weight) dissolved in saline orally for 2 weeks followed by TAA injection last day of second week. All groups were sacrificed after 24 h of treatment and hepatic toxicity was analyzed with respect to liver toxicity markers, liver DNA fragmentation, and histology of liver tissue. Administration of TAA in Wistar rats resulted in significant increase of hepatic markers, DNA fragmentation in the hepatocytes, and changes in histology. Pretreatment of rats with rutin before 2 weeks of TAA assault resulted in the complete reversal of TAA-mediated hepatic toxicity (P < 0.0001 to P < 0.01) with concomitant restoration of DNA fragmentation. This study suggests rutin as a protective agent for restoration of toxicity caused by TAA.

Mitigating Effect of Resveratrol on the Structural Changes of Mice Liver and Kidney Induced by Cadmium; A Stereological Study

Exposure to cadmium (Cd) has harmful effects on the liver and kidney. Resveratrol (RES) is an herbal substance that functions as a protective mediator. This study aimed to investigate the effects of RES on the histology of liver and kidney in Cd-exposed mice. Male mice were divided into 4 groups daily receiving normal saline (1 mL normal saline/d), Cd (1 mg/kg/d), RES (20 mg/kg/d), and Cd plus RES, respectively. After 4 weeks, the liver and kidney components were evaluated using stereological methods. The total volume and number of hepatocytes, and volume of fibrous tissue were respectively increased by 34%, 58%, and a 3-fold in the Cd-exposed mice in comparison to the control animals (P < 0.03). On the other hand, the volume of the main vasculature (sinusoids and central veins) was decreased by 36% in the Cd group compared to the control mice (P < 0.03). Considering the kidney, the results showed a 3-fold increase in the total glomeruli volume and a 7-fold increase in fibrous tissue in the Cd-treated group compared to the control mice (P < 0.03). After Cd treatment, a 32% reduction was observed in the volume and length of the proximal and distal convoluted tubules. RES-treatment alone did not induce any structural changes. In comparison to the Cd group, an increase in the normal components of the liver and kidney and a decrease in the formation of the fibrous and degenerated tissues were observed in the Cd+RES-treated mice (P < 0.03).