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Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is a prominent by-product of the chlorination of drinking water. It induces cell damage by producing free radicals and reactive oxygen species. The present study was carried out to evaluate the potential hepatoprotective role of the aqueous date extract (ADE) against TCA-induced liver injury. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of eight: group I served as the control; group II was given ADE by gavage; groups III and IV received TCA as drinking water at 0.5 and 2 g/L, respectively; and groups V and VI were treated with ADE by gavage and then received TCA at 0.5 and 2 g/L, respectively, as drinking water. The experiment was performed for 2 months. The hepatotoxicity of TCA administration was revealed by an increase in the levels of hepatic marker enzymes (transaminases, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and lactate dehydrogenase) and conjugated bilirubin and a decrease in albumin level. The TCA administration induced also significant elevation of the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) paralleled with a significant decline in catalase (CAT) activity. These biochemical alterations were accompanied by histological changes marked by the appearance of vacuolization, necrosis, congestion, inflammation, and enlargement of sinusoids in the liver section. Treatment with date palm fruit extract restored the liver damage induced by TCA, as demonstrated by inhibition of hepatic lipid peroxidation; amelioration of SOD, GPx, and CAT activities; and improvement of histopathology changes. These results suggest that ADE has a protective effect over TCA-induced oxidative damage in rat liver.

Background: Many experimental studies have suggested an important role for barley Rihane(BR)in the prevention of colon cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical properties and nutritional characterizations of BR compared to other varieties grown in Tunisia (Manel, Roho and Tej). Material and Methods: Total, insoluble and soluble dietary fiber(β-glucan),total protein, ash and some minerals of BR and Tunisian barley varieties were determined. Results:The results revealed that BR is good source of dietary fiber mainly β-glucan compared to the other varieties. This variety is a relatively rich source of phosphorous and potassium and it contains many important unsaturated fatty acids. BR has higher nutritional value than other varieties. Conclusion: Barley Rihane has significant nutritional characterizations compared to others Tunisian barleys varieties.

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In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and protective properties of date fruit aqueous extract (DFAE) on trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-induced nephrotoxicity in rat. Oral administration of TCA as drinking water (0.5 and 2 g/L) daily for 2 months caused nephrotoxicity as evident by elevated levels of plasma creatinine, urea, and uric acid. Activity of antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), was decreased, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were increased along with histopathological injuries. The oral administration of DFAE (4 mL/kg/day) to TCA-treated groups proved some significant correction by increasing the antioxidant activity of the CAT and GPx enzymes and normalizing the SOD activity and the MDA level (p < 0.05). It also protected kidney's histology and normalized the functions of this organ. It could be concluded that DFAE has a protective role against TCA-induced oxidative stress in rat, thereby protecting the renal tissue from TCA-induced damage.

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The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of diet enriched with dietary fiber of barley variety "Rihane" and azoxymethane on serum and liver lipid variables in male rats. Forty male rats were divided into four groups and fed on control diet or experimental diet that contained control enriched with dietary fiber of barley variety "Rihane". Animals were injected with saline (controls) or azoxymethane (20 mg/kg body weight s.c.) at 7 and 8 weeks of age. The experimental diet significantly decreased cholesterol level compared with the control diet. Rats fed with BR diet significantly increased the serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations. The experimental diet decreased the atherogenic index (p < 0.05) compared with the control diet. Whereas the azoxymethane induced a significant increase of liver lipid, serum LDL and triglyceride concentrations, but it caused a significant reduction of HDL. Consequently, the ratio of HDL/TC decreased significantly compared with the control (p < 0.05). Accordingly, these results indicated that the diet enriched with dietary fiber of barley variety "Rihane" could be effective in decreasing the atherogenic risk factors in rats whereas the use of the azoxymethane as colon-specific carcinogen substance altered the lipid metabolism.