Galectin-3 and fibrosis levels in experimental liver injury treated with honey alone or mixed with Nigella sativa seed

Abstract

Background/aim Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a multifunctional protein that plays an important role in many biological processes and is linked with fibrogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of honey alone or mixed with Nigella sativa seed (black seed), as hepatoprotective natural remedies on galactin-3 and liver fibrogenesis induced by thioacetamide (TA) in rats. Materials and methods This study was performed on 60 male rats divided into six groups (groups I–VI), with 10 rats each. Group I served as a normal control, groups from II–VI were intoxicated by TA, whereas the groups from III to VI were treated by silymarin, honey, black seed, and honey mixtures, respectively. Levels of liver Gal-3, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), oxidative stress markers, and serum liver function parameters were determined. Computerized image analysis was used to obtain quantitative measurement of liver fibrotic areas. Results Levels of liver Gal-3, TGF-β1, oxidative stress markers, serum liver transaminases, and fibrotic areas showed significant elevations in TA treated as compared with control. Treatment with silymarin and honey alone or mixed with black seed resulted in lowering liver Gal-3, TGF-β1 levels, and fibrotic areas and improved liver functions and antioxidant status. The mixture doses showed greater effect than honey against TA toxic effects on liver. Conclusion Honey either alone or mixed with black seed reduced Gal-3 level, reduced fibrosis propagation, and ameliorated the toxic effect of TA on liver; moreover, the mixture had greater effect than using honey alone and was closer to silymarin effect.