Abstract
Heavy metals such as arsenic contribute to environmental pollution that can lead to systemic effects in various body organs. Some medicinal plants such as broccoli have been shown to reduce the harmful effects of these heavy metals. The main aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of broccoli extract on liver and kidney toxicity, considering hematological and biochemical changes. The experimental study was performed in 28 days on 32 male Wistar rats classified into four groups: the control group (C), a group receiving 5 mg/kg oral arsenic (AS), a group receiving 300 mg/kg broccoli (B), and a group receiving arsenic and broccoli combination (AS + B). Finally, blood samples were taken to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters of the liver and kidney, as well as serum proteins' concentration. Liver and kidney tissue were fixed and stained by H&E and used for histopathological diagnosis. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and hemoglobin (Hb) in the AS group compared to other groups. However, in the B group, a significant increase in RBC and WBC was observed compared to the AS and C groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, RBC and WBC levels increased significantly in the AS + B group compared to the AS group (P = 0.046). However, in the AS group, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, and creatinine levels increased, while total protein, albumin, and globulin decreased. This can be a result of liver and kidney damage, which was observed in the AS group. Furthermore, the increase in the concentration of albumin and globulin in the AS + B group was higher than that in the AS group. Infiltration of inflammatory cells and necrosis of the liver and kidney tissue in the pathological evaluation of the AS group were significantly higher than other groups. There was an increase in superoxide dismutases (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC); however, a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was seen in the AS + B group compared to the AS group. It seems that broccoli is highly effective at reducing liver and kidney damage and improving the hematological and biochemical factors in arsenic poisoning conditions.
Highlights
Arsenic ranks second among the significant heavy metals, while arsenic contamination is one of the major global environmental problems [1]. is poisonous substance endangers humans’ and animals’ life
Serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were highest in the AS group
During human and animal contact with arsenic, ROS/RNS production increases oxidative stress and causes damage to macromolecules, including lipids, which can increase MDA levels [46,47,48]. e overall result of this damage is different diseases of the liver, kidneys, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive system [49, 50]. Antioxidant substances such as vitamins C and E and quercetin, extracted from broccoli, increase the concentration of antioxidant enzymes responsible for preventing oxidative damage [46, 51]. erefore, the results showed that in arsenic poisoning conditions, broccoli extract causes an increase in CAT, superoxide dismutases (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) while decreasing MDA, reducing liver and kidney damage
Summary
Arsenic ranks second (after lead) among the significant heavy metals, while arsenic contamination is one of the major global environmental problems [1]. is poisonous substance endangers humans’ and animals’ life. Arsenic ranks second (after lead) among the significant heavy metals, while arsenic contamination is one of the major global environmental problems [1]. Arsenic poisoning changes the hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters and leads to tissue damage (mainly in the liver and kidney). Various mechanisms have been reported for arsenic poisoning, including induction of oxidative stress, inhibition of enzymes, and changes in the mitochondrial function. Experimental studies on the liver (being the most vulnerable organ to arsenic) have reported that arsenic poisoning can change the concentration of liver enzymes. Liver damage is mainly related to ROS production and oxidative stress [6]. Chronic arsenic poisoning increases the acute-phase protein and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the liver and kidney and raises proinflammatory cytokines [7]
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