Effect of Grapefruit Juice on Aluminum-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats: Histological, Ultrastructural and Histochemical Assessment

Abstract

The present work studied the effect of grapefruit juice (Citrus) on the hepatotoxicity of AlCl 3 . Four groups of adult male albino rats were used. Group I contained 10 rats and remained as a control group; Group II: 10 rats were included and orally administered with grapefruit juice at a dose level of 27 ml/kg of body weight per day for 6 weeks; Group III: 10 rats were included and AlCl 3 was administered orally at a dose level of 100 mg/kg of body weight per day for 6 weeks; Group IV: animals of this group (10 rats) were given a combination of AlCl 3 and grapefruit juice per day for 6 weeks. At the end of the sixth week, the liver was processed for histological and ultrastructure studies. In addition, ALT and AST were determined in blood sera. The results showed that AlCl 3 induced several histological alterations in the liver, including congestion of blood vessels, leucocytic infiltration, cytoplasmic vacuolation of hepatocytes and fatty infiltrations. Ultrastructural changes include the degeneration of mitochondria, RER swelling and pyknosis of the nuclei with an increase in fat droplets and lysosomes. The biochemical results showed an increase in ALT and AST activities in the AlCl 3 group. However, the group of rats treated with AlCl 3 and grapefruit juice improved the histological and ultrastructural changes, while the levels of ALT and AST were reduced. It was concluded in the results that grapefruit juice has a protective effect against hepatotoxicity of AlCl 3 that can be attributed to the antioxidant properties of its components.

Histological Study Of Red Grape Juice On Rat's Liver Exposed To Cigarette Smoke

“…The free radicals switched on the unsaturated lipid membrane peroxidation, induced serious destruction of the hepatic cell membrane and structure of organelles, and caused hepatic cell injury, degeneration, necrosis, and liver fibrosis formation induced by a long-term repeated stimulus. Animals treated with grape juice showed a reduced level of AST and ALT enzymes that support the liver structure 8 . Grape juice is rich in antioxidative polyphenols that are the first line of defense against damage by free radicals 12,21 ; the antioxidative activity of grape juice can be attributed to the presence of polyphenols.…”

“…The grape (Vitis vinifera) is one of the most widely planted fruits, and it shown to contain a variety of nutrients and biologically active substances such as fiber, vitamin C, phenolic compounds including flavonoids, polyphenols, anthocyanins, and minerals such as iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, and calcium (6,7) that reduce oxidative damage. Although grape skin and seeds contain the majority of these beneficial components, grape skin and seeds are wasted annually from the daily diet, while most of the bioactive components with the significant antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity can be found in these wastes (8) . Studies have shown that consuming grape juice improves the lining of blood vessels, reduces platelet aggregation, increases antioxidants activity including DNA oxidative damage, oxidation of low-density lipoprotein, and oxidative damage to the brain (9) .…”

Thiamine deficiency and oxidative stress induced by prolonged metronidazole therapy can explain its side effects of neurotoxicity and infertility in experimental animals: Effect of grapefruit co-therapy

“…Group III (MTZ þ GP): received MTZ (400 mg/kg) plus GP juice (27 ml/kg). 16 4. Group IV (GP group): received GP juice (27 ml/kg).…”

Grape Seed Extract Affects Body Weight, Liver Weight and Relative Tissue Weight Index in Aluminium Chloride Treated Rats

“…In urban areas water is usually treated with aluminum. Aluminum is found in spinach, potatoes, tea, antacids and baking powder 1,2 . In developing countries aluminum utensils are widely used 3 .…”