Decrease in Hepatic TNF‐alpha and increase in DNA yield defines hepatoprotection of stem‐bark aqueous extract of Sclerocarya Birrea in ethanol‐induced liver injury in Wistar rats

Abstract

Modulation of the toxicity of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is important in treatment of alcoholic liver damage as it depletes oxygen in hepatocytes leading to damage of biomolecules (DNA) and apoptosis. Sclerocarya birrea (SB) has shown hepatoprotection in ethanol‐induced liver damage. This study investigates whether the stem‐bark aqueous extract of SB will modulate the expression of hepatic TNF‐α thereby preventing oxidative DNA damage in rats exposed to ethanol. Male Wistar rats were exposed to 40% (v/v) ethanol and/or two doses of SB (15 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg) or distilled water for four weeks by gastric gavage. Liver homogenates and tissue were analyzed for TNF‐α, DNA yield and histopathology. Serum was analyzed for antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione) and liver function enzymes (alanine and aspartate aminotransferases). Ethanol induced hepatotoxicity with marked increase in hepatic TNF‐α and liver function enzymes while antioxidants and DNA yield decreased. Treatment with SB modulated hepatic damage by decreasing levels of TNF‐α, liver function enzymes and increasing antioxidants. Histopathological examination showed that SB attenuated degenerative changes in hepatocytes and liver parenchyma. Results demonstrate that SB modulates TNF‐α expression and induces antioxidant activity thereby preventing oxidative DNA damage and liver injury.Grant Funding Source: Ahmadu Bello University Research Grant