Protective effect of garlic oil on furan-induced damage in the pancreas of adult male rat

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of furan on the pancreas of adult male rat and to evaluate the possible protective role of garlic oil (GO). Background Furan is carcinogenic in rats and mice and possibly carcinogenic to humans. Methods Sprague–Dawley rats were divided randomly into four main groups: control, GO (80 mg/kg/day), furan-treated (2 and 8 mg/kg/day), and protected group (furan and GO). All rats were treated orally by a gavage for 5 days per week for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, pancreases were subjected to biochemical (measurement of the level of glucose, amylase, lipase, and oxidative stress indices in pancreatic tissue), histological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Results Our results showed the toxic effects of furan on the pancreas in adult male albino rats. This was indicated by an increase in pancreatic (amylase and lipase levels) and lipid peroxidation biomarker (malondialdehyde), and a decrease in antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione. In addition, histopathological alterations were detected, including mononuclear cellular infiltration, congestion of blood vessels, and cytoplasmic vacuolation of the acinar cells. There were significant increases in the number of inflammatory cells and apoptotic expression, whereas cytochrome P450 2E1 expression was significantly decreased after the administration of furan. Furan-induced toxicity was ameliorated by the coadministration of GO. Conclusion The administration of furan-induced biochemical and histopathological changes in the pancreas of adult male albino rats. These changes were improved by the coadministration of GO.