Abstract
This experiment explored the potential hepatic protective effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. methanolic extract (MOE) against lead-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty-two adult Wistar albino rats were allocated randomly equally into four groups, seven rats each. The control group received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of physiological saline (0.9% NaCl); the lead acetate (Pb) group was i.p. injected with 20 mg/kg of Pb; the MOE group was orally administered with 250 mg/kg of MOE; and the MOE+ Pb group was orally treated with 250 mg/kg of MOE 3 h before receiving i.p. injections of 20 mg/kg Pb. All rats received their treatment for 14 days. Results revealed that Pb(II) intoxication induced liver injury accompanied by elevated levels of liver function markers (ALT and AST), oxidative stress markers (MDA and NO), and proinflammatory cytokines (NF-kappa B p65, TNF alpha, and IL-1 beta as well iNOS expression) in addition to the pro-apoptotic-related proteins such as Bax and caspase-3. Meanwhile, significantly depleted GSH content, suppressed activity of antioxidant enzyme activity, and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 were also manifested in the liver tissue. Interestingly, concurrent treatment of rats with MOE ameliorated liver markers, prevented tissue injury, and inhibited oxidative stress, apoptosis, and NF-kappa B. In addition, MOE activated the detoxifying enzyme system in Pb(II)-intoxicated rats. Therefore, the obtained results in the present experiment provide evidence that MOE concurrent administration has the potential to protect the liver tissues in Pb(II)-intoxicated rats by preventing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, via attenuation of NF-kappa B signaling pathway.