Potential protective effects of Quercetin on metalaxyl-induced oxidative stress, impaired liver functions and hepatotoxicity in rat

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective and anti-inflammatory influence of quercetin against metalaxyl fungicide induced liver toxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Forty two male albino rats were divided into three equal groups. Group I (normal group): rats administered distilled water. Group II (metalaxyl exposed group): rats received metalaxyl 1/10 LD 50 (130 mg/kg b.wt) orally three times per weeks for 8 weeks. Group III (metalaxyl + quercetin treated group): rats received metalaxyl (130 mg/kg b.wt) and treated with quercetin (15 mg/kg b.wt/day/i.p). The obtained results showed significant increase in serum liver marker enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP) activities, liver tissue L-MDA and inflammatory markers (MPO and IL-6) levels in metalaxyl exposed rats. However, activities of liver tissue antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) and GSH levels were markedly decreased. Administration of quercetin with metalaxyl exposed rats caused significant improvement of all previous parameters towards its normal ranges. These results suggested that, quercetin treatment may have a protective effect against metalaxyl fungicide induced liver damage and oxidative stress in rats via anti-inflammatory activity and free radical scavenging as well as regenerating endogenous antioxidant defense system mechanisms.