The protective effect of apricot (Prunus ar-meniaca L.) and its kernel against paraceta-mol-induced cellular toxicity in rats

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of fresh, dried apricots and apricot kernel added to diet (10% and 20% w/w) on paracetamol (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, APAP)-induced cellular toxicity in rats. Eighty male albino rats were used in this study, divided into 8 groups 10 rats each. Gp (1): set as healthy control, Gp (2) set as APAP- control. Gps (3-4) fed on diet supplemented with fresh apricot (10% & 20% w/w), Gps (5-6) fed on diet supplemented with dried apricot (10% & 20% w/w). Gps (7-8) fed on diet supplemented with apricot kernel (10% & 20% w/w). After 6 weeks, rats from groups (2:8) were injected with a single dose, i.p injection, of APAP (500 m/kg body weight). After 24 hour of injection, rats were sacrificed under diethyl ether anesthesia. Serum and tissue samples were collected to perform the biochemical analysis. Serum liver function tests [total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, direct and indirect bilirubin levels, and the activities of alanine amino transferase (ALT), asparatet amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were measured. Moreover, serum kidney function tests (urea, creati-nine, and uric acid levels), serum testis function measurements (total, prostatic, and non-prostatic acid phosphatase (ACP) activities) and serum lipids profile level were measured. Also, antioxidant status was evaluated by measuring reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver, kidney and testis homogenate. The results were supported with microscopic examination of liver, kidney and testis tissues. The results of this study revealed that administration of APAP caused marked reduction in serum total protein, albumin and tissue GSH, in association with elevation of serum bilirubin, activities of AST, ALT, ALP, also, total, prostatic, and non-prostatic ACP, urea, creatinine, uric acid, lipids profile, and tissue MDA. On the other hand, supplementation of diet with fresh, dried apricots and apricot kernel had protective effect on liver, kidney and testis tissues that was manifested by improving their function measurements, antioxidant status, and lipids profile. The microscopic examination of liver, kidney, and testis tissues showed also amelioration in the appearance of cells. The protective effect of apricot and its kernel is due to their antioxidant potential that is represented by their rich content of dietary fibers, β-carotene, vitamin C, tocopherols, flavonoids, poly unsaturated fatty acids, and some polyphenols that appears to protect against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequently APAP toxicity.