Crocin Protects Against Atrazine-induced Toxicity in Primary Rat Hepatocytes

Abstract

Background: Atrazine is a typical herbicide that has domestic and agricultural uses all over the world. A review of the literature, however, revealed evidence of its destructive effects on many human tissues and signaling networks. As such, this study explored the impact of crocin, a natural pigment, on reducing the liver damage caused by atrazine in primary rat hepatocytes. Methods: As biochemical cytotoxicity indicators, cell death, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH) level, and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed. Results: In the first step, LD50 concentration of atrazine was evaluated using a methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) test in rat hepatocytes. The findings indicated that cellular function declines at LC50 concentration (400 M). On the contrary, crocin (50 µM) substantially boosted hepatocyte viability, decreased ROS production and LPO, replenished cellular GSH pools, and improved mitochondrial function. Conclusion: Overall, the data suggest that crocin may play a protective function in atrazine-induced liver injury in which the main mechanisms of toxicity appear to be the generation of ROS and mitochondrial damage.