Lutein Has a Protective Effect on Hepatotoxicity Induced by Arsenic via Nrf2 Signaling

Abstract

Arsenic produces liver disease through the oxidative stress. While lutein can alleviate cytotoxic and oxidative injury, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway plays a critical role in defending oxidative species. However, the mechanisms by which lutein protects the liver against the effect of arsenic are not known. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the mechanisms involved in the action of lutein using mice model in which hepatotoxicity was induced by arsenic. We found that mice treatment with lutein could reverse changes in morphological and liver indexes and result in a significant improvement in hepatic function comparing with arsenic trioxide group. Lutein treatment improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes and attenuated increasing of ROS and MDA induced by arsenic trioxide. Lutein could increase the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 signaling related genes (Nrf2, Nqo1, Ho-1, and Gst). These findings provide additional evidence that lutein may be useful for reducing reproductive injury associated with oxidative stress by the activation of Nrf2 signaling. Our findings suggest a possible mechanism of antioxidant lutein in preventing the hepatotoxicity, which implicate that a dietary lutein may be a potential treatment for liver diseases, especially for arsenicosis therapy.

Protective Effects of Combined Selenium and Punica granatum Treatment on Some Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers in Arsenic-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

“…Arsenic is a toxic metalloid and a potent environmental toxicant that has been reported to cause severe liver injury [1]. Humans are exposed to this metalloid through contaminated water, air, and even foods [2].…”

Naturally Occurring Nrf2 Activators: Potential in Treatment of Liver Injury

“…Arsenic modulates Nrf2 signaling in vivo and in vitro [46, 95, 96]. Lutein (a carotenoid) and curcumin (a diarylheptanoid) have been shown to reduce arsenic toxicity via Nrf2 activation and subsequent antioxidant gene expression [63, 64]. Additionally, in mice, curcumin promoted methylation of arsenic and accelerated its excretion [63].…”

Lutein protects against severe traumatic brain injury through anti-inflammation and antioxidative effects via ICAM-1/Nrf-2

“…It is highly concentrated in leafy vegetables, including Brassica oleracea and spinach, and flowers, such as Calendula officinalis. Studies have suggested that natural lutein exists in plants and it is a favorable antioxidant (7,8). Lutein prevents damage to biological membranes caused by free radicals.…”

“…Lutein prevents damage to biological membranes caused by free radicals. Due to its antioxidant functions, it has been widely employed in treating human diseases including diabetic retinopathy, fertilization and ischemia/reperfusion injury (7). However, the risks caused by inappropriate supplementation of antioxidant agents have not been investigated fully.…”