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Spirulina platensis protects against microcystin-LR-induced toxicity in rats
Mousa O Germoush1, Maged M A Fouda1,2, Mohamed Kamel3
1Biology Department, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Microcystis aeruginosa produces an abundant cyanotoxin (microcystins (MCs) in freshwater supplies. MCs have adverse health hazards to animals and humans. Microcystin-leucine-arginine (microcystin-LR or MC-LR) is the most studied among these MCs due to their high toxicity. So, this study was designed to evaluate the possible therapeutic role of the natural algal food supplement, Spirulina platensis (SP), against MC-LR-induced toxic effects in male Wistar rats. Forty rats were randomly divided into five groups. Control and SP groups orally administered distilled water and SP (1000 mg/kg/daily), respectively, for 21 days. MC-LR group was intraperitoneally injected with MC-LR (10 μg/kg/day) for 14 days. MC-LR-SP500 and MC-LR-SP1000 groups were orally treated with SP (500 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively) for 7 days and concomitantly with MC-LR for 14 days. MC-LR induced oxidative hepatorenal damage, cardiotoxicity, and neurotoxicity greatly, which was represented by reduction of reduced glutathione content and the activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase and elevation of concentrations of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde in renal, hepatic, brain, and heart tissues. In addition, it increased serum levels of urea, creatinine, tumor necrosis factor-alfa, interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6 and serum activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and creatine kinase-MB. However, S. platensis restored normal levels of measured serum parameters, ameliorated MC-LR-induced oxidative damage, and normalized tissue antioxidant biomarkers. In conclusion, SP alleviated MC-induced organ toxicities by mitigating oxidative and nitrosative stress and lipid peroxidation.
Insights
Spirulina platensis (SP) supplementation effectively counteracted microcystin-LR (MC-LR) toxicity in rats. SP mitigated MC-LR-induced oxidative damage and restored normal organ function, highlighting its therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Natural product chemistry
- Animal physiology
Background:
- Microcystis aeruginosa produces microcystins (MCs), potent cyanotoxins contaminating freshwater.
- Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) is a highly toxic MC with significant health risks.
- Natural supplements are explored for mitigating toxin-induced damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Spirulina platensis (SP) against MC-LR-induced toxicity.
- To assess SP's protective effects on hepatorenal, cardiac, and neural tissues in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, SP, MC-LR, MC-LR + SP (500 mg/kg), and MC-LR + SP (1000 mg/kg).
- Toxicity was induced via MC-LR injection, with SP administered orally.
- Biochemical markers, oxidative stress indicators (reduced glutathione, SOD, CAT, GPx, MDA, NO), and inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in serum and tissues.
Main Results:
- MC-LR induced significant oxidative stress, hepatorenal damage, cardiotoxicity, and neurotoxicity.
- MC-LR elevated serum markers of liver/kidney damage and inflammation (urea, creatinine, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6).
- Spirulina platensis administration restored biochemical parameters, ameliorated oxidative damage, and normalized antioxidant biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Spirulina platensis effectively alleviates microcystin-LR-induced organ toxicities.
- SP mitigates MC-LR toxicity by reducing oxidative and nitrosative stress and lipid peroxidation.
- SP demonstrates significant therapeutic potential as a natural countermeasure against cyanotoxin poisoning.
