CHANGES IN METAL HOMEOSTASIS IN EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED FATTY LIVER BY THE EFFECT OF SOUR CHERRY CONSUMPTION

Abstract

Sour cherry ( Prunus cerasus ) is a favored fruit worldwide. Sporadic studies occurred to determine the metal ion content of this fruit. Nevertheless its effect on metal ion homeostasis has not been examined so far therefore, animal experiment was carried out to determine the changes of metal homeostasis in liver by the effect of sour cherry. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: 1. control animal with normal diet; 2. hyperlipidemic rats were fed with fat-rich diet (chow contained plus 2% cholesterol, 0.5% cholic acid and 20% sunflower oil); 3. rats were fed with normal diet + lyophilized sour cherry (0.75 g daily ad libitum); 4. rats were fed with fat-rich diet and lyophilized sour cherry. The experiment was terminated after 10 days. From the sample handed rat liver homogenate metal ion content was determined by inductively plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Liver fragments were fixed in 4% neutral buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin, and 5 micrometer sections were cut and stained with hematoxylin–eosin. As a result of our experiment the concentration of metal elements were found to decrease significantly in the hyperlipidemic animals fed with sour cherry (Ujfehertoi furtos), although there wasn’t any significant result between the 1. (control animal with normal diet) and the 3. (rats were fed with normal diet + lyophilized sour cherry) group. On the basis of histological study it was established that the treatment with Fanal was the best, although Pipacs and Ujfehertoi furtos were also significant in liver regression of hyperlipidemic animals with fatty liver, therefore authors conclude, that sour cherry treatment is beneficial to lower the hyperlipidemy and fatty degeneration.