Isoflavones-Enriched Soy Protein Prevents CCL(4)-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Hepatology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Liver disease burden in Egypt is high, driven by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a common hepatotoxin used to induce liver damage in experimental models.
• Soy isoflavones are bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the isoflavone content in soy.
• To evaluate the protective effects of soy against CCl4-induced liver damage in a rat model.
• To assess the impact of soy supplementation on biochemical and histological markers of liver injury.

Main Methods:

• Rats were divided into four groups: control, soy-supplemented diet (20% w/w), CCl4-treated, and soy + CCl4-treated.
• Hepatotoxicity was induced by oral administration of CCl4 (100 mg/kg) twice weekly for 8 weeks.
• Biochemical analyses of serum liver enzymes and antioxidant markers, along with histological examination of liver tissues, were performed.

Main Results:

• Soy contained 45.8% protein and 167.3 mg/100g total isoflavones.
• CCl4 treatment caused significant alterations in serum liver enzymes, oxidative stress, and histological damage.
• Soy supplementation normalized elevated liver enzymes, improved serum biochemical parameters, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced lipid peroxidation, and ameliorated liver histology.

Conclusions:

• Soy-protein-enriched isoflavones demonstrate significant hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats.
• Soy supplementation can mitigate oxidative stress and improve liver function and structure.
• Soy may serve as a promising dietary agent for preventing or managing liver diseases.