Role of Clove Essential Oil on Benzo(a)pyrene Induced Lung Toxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: Environmental exposure to benzo(a)pyrene (BP) elicit pulmonary inflammation and impair lung functions. Clove oil (CLV) possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory besides anticancer effects. The aim of this study: To evaluate the possible protecting role of clove oil (CLV) against lung injuries induced by benzo(a)pyrene (BP) in albino rats. Material and methods: Thirty rats were spilt randomly into 4 groups, control group (12 rats were divided equally into 2 smaller groups; negative and corn oil) as well as 3 experimental groups (each with 6 rats) (BP group: received a daily dose of (50 mg/kg) orally for 4 weeks, CLV group: received a daily dose of (100 µl) orally for 4 weeks, and CLV/BP group: received both CLV and BP in the same doses orally for 4 weeks). After 4 weeks, blood specimens then lung tissue were collected. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reduced glutathione (GSH), Malondialdehyde (MDA), plus cancer marker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were determined. Inflammatory mediators interleukin-1β (IL-1β) besides tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were estimated in lung tissues. Histopathological examination by hematoxyline and eosin stain plus immunohistochemical examination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression were evaluated. Results: GSH was decreased but LDH, MDA, IL-1β, TNF-α and CEA were elevated in BP treated group. Clove oil co-administration ameliorated the biochemical parameters and the histopathological alterations in lung tissues. Also, it reduced the PCNA expression caused by BP in the immunohistochemical examination. Conclusion: Clove oil might ameliorate BP elicited pulmonary dysfunction. Recommendations: Additional studies are required to explain the molecular mechanisms fundamental to clove oil antitumor activity.