Molecular mechanisms underlying histological and biochemical changes induced by nitrate in rat liver and the efficacy of S-Allylcysteine

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to investigate structural and ultra-structural changes induced by nitrate in rat liver, examine their molecular basis, and evaluate the possible protective role of S-Allylcysteine (SAC). Adult male albino rats were assigned to: control, SAC, nitrate, and nitrate+ SAC groups. Serum ALT and AST were measured. Liver samples were processed for light and electron microscope examinations, biochemical analysis, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and Bcl-2. Nitrate induced histopathological and biochemical alterations in rat liver. The underlying mechanisms included nitrosative and oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis that are alleviated by SAC.

KEYWORDS:

• Histopathology
• molecular mechanisms
• nitrate
• S-Allylcysteine
• rat liver

Author Contribution

All authors (AK, SA, EM, RA, YE) contributed to conception or design; data acquisition, analysis, or interpretation; drafting the manuscript; and critically revising the manuscript. All authors gave final approval and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of work in ensuring that questions relating to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Acknowledgments

None.

Declaration of interest

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Funding

This study was not funded by any source.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yara M. Elfakharany

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