Anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant actions of Middle Eastern Phoenix dactylifera extract on mercury-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo

Mercuric chloride (MC) is a complex substance which is capable to produce free radicals. Middle Eastern Phoenix dactylifera (MEPD) is a flowering plant of palm family with potent antioxidant feature. Due to the increasing use of herbs in medicine, this study was designed to assess the effects of MEPD and MC on inflammatory apoptogenic, oxidative and histomorphometric alterations in liver. Sixty-four male rats were assigned to 8 groups including: control groups (normal group and MC (50 mg/kg)), MEPD groups (30, 90, 270 mg/kg) and MC + MEPD treated groups. All experimental groups were treated intraperitoneally and orally daily for 5 weeks. The relative expression level of apoptotic genes (p53, Bcl2 and Bax) and hepatocyte apoptotic index were analyzed. Also, Nitrite oxide (NO), lipid peroxidation (LP), Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) assays were conducted to assess the antioxidant levels. Cytokines involved in inflammation, hepatic enzymes and histomorphometric parameters (hepatocytes diameter (HD) and central hepatic vein (CHV)) were evaluated. All factors showed incremental trends following MC administration (else FRAP level and Bcl2, which were decreased) in MC group than normal group (P < 0.05). In comparison with the MC group, total values in MEPD and MEPD + MC groups were decreased (P < 0.05) (except FRAP level and Bcl2, which were increased). According to the obtained data, the administration of MEPD extract has potent antioxidant property that attenuates the destructive hepatic effects of MC by initiation of cellular antioxidant pathways and restoration of pathological changes into the physiological form.