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Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice - Prophylactic Supplementation of Quercetin Exerts Hepatoprotective Effect by Modulating PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB Signaling Pathway

  • 0Department of Pharmacy, Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Wuxi, China; Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, China. gracelee03@sina.com.
Physiological Research +

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November 12, 2024

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November 12, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Quercetin pre-treatment protects mice from Cadmium-induced liver injury by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. This protective effect is linked to its antioxidant activity and modulation of key signaling pathways.

Area Of Science

  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background

  • Cadmium (Cd) exposure is a significant environmental concern, leading to severe liver damage.
  • Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are key mechanisms underlying Cd-induced hepatotoxicity.
  • The PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB signaling pathway plays a crucial role in cellular responses to Cd toxicity.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the protective effects of Quercetin against Cadmium-induced liver injury in mice.
  • To elucidate the role of Quercetin in modulating the PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB signaling pathway during Cadmium exposure.

Main Methods

  • A mouse model of Cadmium-induced liver injury was established.
  • Mice were pre-treated with Quercetin for 4 weeks before Cadmium administration.
  • Liver function markers, oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic markers, and signaling molecules were assessed.

Main Results

  • Quercetin pre-treatment significantly reduced Cadmium levels and improved body weight in mice.
  • Quercetin administration attenuated liver damage by decreasing liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA).
  • Quercetin normalized antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH), reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), and modulated apoptotic markers (Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3/9) and PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB signaling.

Conclusions

  • Quercetin exhibits significant pre-protective effects against Cadmium-induced liver injury.
  • The protective mechanisms involve mitigating oxidative stress, suppressing inflammation, and inhibiting apoptosis.
  • Quercetin's beneficial effects are associated with the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB signaling pathway and its inherent antioxidant properties.