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Molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of morin in experimental hepatic encephalopathy
Ghada M Shafey1, Engy R Rashed1, Hala F Zaki2
1Drug Radiation Research Department, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the possible usefulness of morin flavonoid in comparison to silymarin as a hepatic/neuronal-supportive agent with similar effects and higher bioavailability in a rat model of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Morin effects on rat liver and brain were evaluated post-induction of HE by thioacetamide (TAA; 200 mg/kg/day for 3 successive days). Then, the serum activities of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) together with ammonia concentration were estimated to assess the liver function. Also, the degree of brain effects was evaluated via the assessment of brain contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL-1β) together with glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. In addition, the apoptotic and inflammatory changes in brain and liver tissues were also assessed via immunohistochemical examination. Our findings revealed a promising effect of morin against HE complications; as it corrected the liver functions, attenuated the brain/liver tissue injuries, and reduced the apoptotic and inflammatory insults of HE on both organs. These effects are comparable to those of silymarin. Morin could be introduced as a promising hepato- and neuro-therapeutic adjuvant in HE-associated neuronal complications especially in cases like silymarin intolerance.
Insights
Morin, a flavonoid, shows promise in treating hepatic encephalopathy (HE) by protecting the liver and brain. It offers similar benefits to silymarin with potentially better bioavailability, aiding HE-related complications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) presents significant hepatic and neuronal complications.
- Current treatments have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic agents.
- Flavonoids like silymarin are explored for their protective effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate morin flavonoid as a potential hepato- and neuro-supportive agent in a rat model of hepatic encephalopathy (HE).
- To compare the efficacy of morin with silymarin in mitigating HE-induced damage.
- To assess morin's bioavailability and therapeutic potential in HE management.
Main Methods:
- Hepatic encephalopathy was induced in rats using thioacetamide (TAA).
- Liver function was assessed by measuring serum AST, ALT, and ammonia levels.
- Brain and liver tissues were analyzed for oxidative stress markers (GSH, MDA), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), and antioxidant enzyme activity (GPx).
- Apoptotic and inflammatory changes were evaluated using immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- Morin administration effectively corrected liver function markers and reduced ammonia levels.
- Morin significantly attenuated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in both brain and liver tissues.
- Histopathological examination revealed reduced apoptotic and inflammatory insults in morin-treated rats.
- Morin demonstrated comparable efficacy to silymarin in managing HE complications.
Conclusions:
- Morin exhibits significant hepato- and neuro-protective effects in a rat model of HE.
- Morin serves as a promising therapeutic adjuvant for HE-associated neuronal complications.
- Morin may be a viable alternative for patients with silymarin intolerance due to its comparable efficacy and potentially higher bioavailability.
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