Modulatory effects of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) leaf extract against oxidative stress and hepatic TNF-α gene expression in acute diazinon-induced liver injury in rats.

Background: Diazinon (DZN) causes serious liver damage in both humans and animals. In the present study, the hepatoprotective effects of Cynara scolymus L. leaf extract against DZN-induced liver injury were examined. Methods: Forty male rats were divided into five groups. The control group received a normal diet. The DZN group received DZN only (25 mg/kg, po). The DZN + Syl group received DZN (25 mg/kg, po) and silymarin (Syl) (50 mg/kg, po). The DZN + Art group received DZN (25 mg/kg, po) and artichoke (Art) leaf extract (1500 mg/kg, po). The Art group received Art leaf extract only (1500 mg/kg, po). After 15 days, serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lipid profile, protein carbonyl content, serum and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic TNF-α gene expression, hepatic catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and vitamin C (Vit C) were measured and histopathological examination was performed. Results: DZN caused a significant elevation in serum ALP, AST, ALT, MDA, TNF-α, protein carbonyl, hepatic MDA, and TNF-α gene expression in the DZN group as opposed to the control group. Also, DZN led to the reduction of hepatic CAT, SOD, and Vit C in the DZN group relative to the control group. The administration of Art extract resulted in not only a significant reduction in serum ALP, AST, ALT, MDA, TNF-α, and protein carbonyl but also an improvement of liver histopathological changes and hepatic CAT and SOD activities as opposed to the DZN group. Conclusions: This study confirmed that Art leaf extract has liver protective effects and causes downregulation of oxidative stress in acute DZN-induced liver injury in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]