Chemopreventive Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa Calyx Anthocyanins and Nanoselenium against N-Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats

Abstract

Chemoprevention could play important role in the management of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC develop in pre-neoplastic organ, the cirrhotic liver. The study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. water extract containing anthocyanins and Nanoselenium (nSe) as chemo-protective substances on HCC induced by Diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Thioacetamide (TAA) which causes liver cirrhosis was used as initiator. The oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) level for lipid peroxidation, liver antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) content were measured, in addition, to Alpha fetoprotein (AFP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and caspase-3 levels. Treatment by H. sabdariffa extract significantly increase caspase-3 activity and decrease both TNF-α and AFP levels; significantly decrease the oxidative stress marker MDA level and increase the level of antioxidant markers SOD, CAT and GSH. The plant extract showed a remarkable effect as selenium which is known by its significant antioxidant effect. The findings were well depicted histopathologically. It can be concluded that HEx containing anthocyanin pigments and nSe can act strongly as chemo-protective substances against HCC, possibly by increasing apoptotic mechanism and antioxidant scavenger levels.