Aflatoxin B1 induces oxidative stress in rats: possible protective effects of onion juice (Allium cepa L.)

Abstract

A flatoxin belongs to a group of fungal toxins known as mycotoxins. Exposure to dietary aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) is considered to be an important risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma for both animals and human beings. The mechanism of AFB 1 -induced cellular damage has not been fully understood, however previous in vitro studies suggested that AFB 1 was capable of inducing oxidative damages through the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Onions as one of the important Allium species commonly used in our daily diets are proved recently to have antioxidant properties. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the possible protective effects of onion juice (OJ) in comparison with vitamin C as a standard antioxidant against AFB 1 induces oxidative stress in liver tissue of albino rats. Data of the biochemical analysis indicated that AFB 1 induced a significant (p≤0.05) increased in plasma oxidants concentration (MDA, 61.73 and123.46%; NO 2 , 61.90 and 111.69% and NO 2 /NO 3 , 66.76 and 107.48%) and significant (p≤0.05) decreased in plasma non-enzymes antioxidant (GSH,.06and -31.69%), plasma antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A, -30.85 and -35.82%; vitamin C, -31.97 and -37.18% and vitamin E, -38.79 and -43.38%) as well as RBC's antioxidant enzymes (GSH-Px, -23.78 and -32.43%; CAT, -17.69 and -21.13% and SOD, -36.91 and -47.12%) as a percent of normal group in both single and multiple doses, respectively. Injection with OJ induced significant (p≤0.05) improvement in all of these parameters by different rates. The higher amelioration effects were recorded for multiple doses treatment. In conclusion, the present data support the benefits of onion in human population at high risk to AFB 1 exposure through alleviating oxidative stress and enhancing the antioxidative defense systems associated.