Role of NF‐κB/IL‐1β Pathway and Caspase 3 in Mediating the Hepatoprotective Effect of Rutin against Paraquat‐Induced Liver Toxicity in Male Rats

Abstract

One of the most common bipyridinium herbicides that can lead to liver toxicity is paraquat. Rutin is a bioflavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, and antimicrobial properties. The effect of rutin on paraquat-induced liver toxicity was examined in this study. 48 male rats were divided into six groups: the control group was given a normal diet; the non-treated group was given paraquat; the positive control group was given paraquat, and silymarin and the treatment groups were given paraquat and rutin at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. After fourteen days, the rats were anesthetized by xylazine-ketamine, and fasting blood samples were obtained from their hearts to measure alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), creatinine, lipid profile, antioxidant capacity, and carbonyl protein. The liver tissue was removed to measure the levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total protein, vitamin C, plus NF-кB, IL1β, and caspase-3 gene expressions. Paraquat gavage in the untreated group (group 2) for 14 days in comparison with the control group induced a significant augmentation (p < 0.05) in levels of lipid profile, AST, ALP, ALT, MDA, carbonyl protein, and also NF-кB, IL1β, Caspase3 expressions. Treatment with rutin reduced the factors as mentioned above. Paraquat poisoning induced a substantial decline (p < 0.05) in HDL content, FRAP level, CAT, and SOD activity of the liver compared to the control group. However, rutin oral treatment led to a substantial increase (p < 0.05) in the level of these factors compared to the paraquat-only treated group. Based on the findings of the present study, it was found that rutin can be significantly effective in improving hepatotoxicity caused by paraquat.