Investigation of the possible protective effect of naringin against lead acetate-induced liver toxicity in rats: An experimental study

Lead, an environmental toxin, is encountered in every aspect of our daily lives. Substances containing lead have numerous harmful effects on living organisms. Naringin, a natural compound, is found in the structure of many plants. Naringin has numerous beneficial effects on animal metabolism, including antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antilipidemic effects. In this study, the effects of naringin on lipid peroxidation, lead levels, and carboxyl esterase enzyme activities in rat liver tissues exposed to lead acetate were investigated. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic activation was determined by biochemical findings, Elemental analyses, Histological findings, Gene expression, and Immunohistochemical findings, including the expression levels of NF-κB and Tnf-α. The study consisted of a Control (K), Lead acetate (P), Naringin (N), and Lead acetate + Naringin (PN) groups. Twenty-eight male rats, 7 adult male rats in each group, were used. Naringin was administered orogastrically at 40 mg/kg every other day. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Pb levels, CaE enzyme activity levels, NF-κB and Tnf-α levels, ALT and AST values, histopathological changes in liver tissue, and mineral substance levels were determined in the rats' liver tissues of rats. MDA levels in group P increased compared to group K (p<0.001). It was observed that the MDA level in the P group decreased in the PN group (p<0.01). The Pb level in the P group was found to be the highest compared to the other groups (p<0.001). While a relative decrease in CaE enzyme activities was observed in the K group compared to the P group (p>0.05), the CaE enzyme activity in the PN group was found to increase compared to the P group (p<0.001). Liver NF-kB and Tnf-α mRNA expression levels were determined by Real Time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Accordingly, mRNA expression and immunohistochemistry levels were found to decrease in the naringin-administered groups and to increase in the Pb group. As a result, we think that naringin has protective effects on liver tissues against oxidative stress caused by lead acetate