Antagonistic Effects of Selenium (Se) and Vitamin C against the Hepatotoxic Effects of AFB l in Rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University

2 Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University

Abstract

Objective: Aflatoxins (AFs) a group of mycotoxins, are produced by the filamentous
fungi Aspergillus, particularly flavus and parasiticus. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most
prevalent and the most potent of these toxins, which has potent hepatotoxic and
hepatocarcinogenic properties in animals and humans. Because of the wide spread of
AFB1 contaminated food and feeds and because of its hepatotoxicity, the present
experimental study was carried out. Aim of the study: The aim of the present study
was to highlight the antagonistic effects of selenium (Se) and vitamin C against the
hepatotoxic effect of AFB1 as they have a role in prevention of formation of
carcinogens from precursor compounds and they are natural antioxidants.Materials
and methods: The study was carried out on 85 white male albino rats divided into;
Group I (control group):10 rats received I.P injection of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)
for 15 days. Group II: 45 rats received I.P injection of AFB1 for 15 days and then
subdivided into three equal subgroups; Group II a: received regular diet, group II b:
received Se orally for 15 days. Group II c: received vitamin C orally for 15 days.
Group III: received Se orally for 15 days during and 15 days after AFB1 injection.
Group IV: received vitamin C orally for 15 days during and 15 days after AFB1
injection. All groups were subjected to measurements of the following; liver function
tests, serum & liver tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione
(GSH), and the activity of serum &liver tissue glutathione S- transferase enzyme
(GST) and paraoxonase1 (PON1) enzymes. Liver specimens were examined
histopathologically. Results: The present study confirmed the hepatotoxicity of AFB1,
as marked by the significant increase of serum AST, ALT enzymes activities and
decrease serum albumin which is confirmed by histopathological study of liver
tissues. Serum and liver tissue MDA levels were significantly increased in AFB1
treated animals. There was significant increase of the inducible enzyme GST activity
and significant decrease of GSH level in AFB1 treated groups. There was significant
decrease in PON1 enzyme activity in both serum and hepatic tissue. Se and vitamin C
were effective only when given with and after the xenobiotic treatment for another 15
days. They caused significant decrease of serum activity of AST, ALT and increase in
serum albumin. They also caused a significant decrease in MDA level and GST
enzyme activity with significant increase of GSH level and PON1 enzyme activity in
both serum and liver tissues. Conclusion: All the above findings confirm the
protective role of Se and vitamin C on the hepatotoxicity caused by AFB1.

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