Hexavalent Chromium Toxicity in the Pancreas: A Study on the Protective Effects of Hypericum perforatum Extract

Hexavalent chromium, a widespread heavy metal, induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway through Bax (pro-apoptotic) and Bcl2 (anti-apoptotic) proteins. Hypericum perforatum, rich in antioxidants, can neutralise free radicals. This study investigated the effects of CrVI on the pancreas and the protective role of Hypericum perforatum. Five groups of animals were used: control, Cr (CrVI for 3 months), CrH (CrVI + 2.5% Hypericum perforatum extract made from flowers, for 3 months), Cr2 (CrVI for 3 months + distilled water for 1 month), and CrH2 (CrVI for 3 months + Hypericum perforatum extract for 1 month). Samples were collected for histological analysis, gene expression (qRT-PCR), and blood glucose level analysis. CrVI exposure (Cr, Cr2) caused pancreatic damage: oedema, reduced islet size, endocrine cell vacuolisation, and endothelial swelling. Lesions were milder in CrH, while CrH2 resembled the control group. The Bax/Bcl2 ratio increased under CrVI (highest in Cr2), indicating apoptosis, but decreased toward control values in CrH and CrH2. Blood glucose levels confirmed these findings. CrVI proved toxic to the endocrine pancreas, inducing structural and molecular alterations that impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Administration of Hypericum perforatum extract reduced these effects, confirming its antioxidant action and potential as a protective agent against CrVI-induced oxidative stress.