Abstract
Aim. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of genistein in experimental acute liver damage induced by CCl4. Method. Forty rats were equally allocated to 5 groups. The first group was designated as the control group (group 1). The second group was injected with intraperitoneal CCl4 for 3 days (group 2). The third group was injected with subcutaneous 1 mg/kg genistein for 4 days starting one day before CCl4 injection. The fourth group was injected with intraperitoneal CCl4 for 7 days. The fifth group was injected with subcutaneous 1 mg/kg genistein for 8 days starting one day before CCl4 injection. Plasma and liver tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and liver glutathione levels, as well as AST and ALT levels were studied. A histopathological examination was conducted. Results. Liver tissue MDA levels were found significantly lower in group 3, in comparison to group 2 (P < .05). Liver tissue MDA level in group 5 was significantly lower than that in group 4 (P < .001). Liver tissue glutathione levels were higher in group 5 and 3, relative to groups 4 and 2, respectively (P > .05 for each). Inflammation and focal necrosis decreased in group 3, in comparison to group 2 (P < .001 for each). Inflammation and focal necrosis in group 5 was lower than that in group 4 (P < .001). Actin expression decreased significantly in group 5, relative to group 4 (P < .05). Conclusion. Genistein has anti-inflammatory and antinecrotic effects on experimental liver damage caused by CCl4. Genistein reduces liver damage by preventing lipid peroxidation and strengthening antioxidant systems.
Highlights
Phytoestrogens are diphenolic molecules of plant origin, and resemble estradiol in structure and function
Genistein was found to inhibit tyrosine kinase, which accelerates tumor growth, and topoisomerase 1 and 2, and to prevent the formation of new capillaries, which is necessary for the growth of the tumor [1]
We aimed to explore the protective role of two different administration periods of genistein, which has antioxidant characteristics, in acute liver damage caused by CCl4
Summary
Phytoestrogens are diphenolic molecules of plant origin, and resemble estradiol in structure and function. Isoflavones are the most common and mostly studied phytoestrogens [1, 2]. Some epidemiological studies found phytoestrogens chemopreventive in cancer and coronary heart disease [3, 4]. Genistein is an isoflavone found primarily in the soy protein [5]. It has an estrogenic and antioxidant activity [6]. It was argued in previous studies that the beneficial effects of genistein were associated with its antioxidant effect [7, 8]. Administration of oral genistein was established to reduce lipid peroxidation in the liver and to increase total antioxidant capacity in hamsters [9]. Genistein was found to inhibit tyrosine kinase, which accelerates tumor growth, and topoisomerase 1 and 2, and to prevent the formation of new capillaries, which is necessary for the growth of the tumor [1]
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