Abstract

THE HEPATOPROTECTIVE IMPACT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES EXTRACT AGAINST SODIUM VALPROATE- INDUCED LIVER TOXICITY IN ADULT RATS

Samiha M. Abdel-Daeem, Ahmed M. Shehata, Fatma M. Foda, Fawkya El-Hodairy, Halima M. Ibrahim*

Abstract

Objective: Valproic acid and its salts (sodium valproate, VPA) are mood stabilizing and anticonvulsant agents. VPA use has been complicated by a high incidence of hepatic injury. Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves extract exhibits the greatest antioxidant activity. Mepacure (MEPA) is used as reference drug. The aim of present study is to investigate the possible effect of Moringa oleifera leaves extract against the toxicity of VPA in albino rats. Design: A total number of 120 rats were equally divided into 5 groups, MO and/ or MEPA were administrated for 3 periods (2, 4, 6) weeks in sodium valproate treated rats. Liver enzymes activities of (ALT, AST and γ-GT), total protein as well as (TNF-α), oxidative stress parameters; (GSH, GSSG, NO and MDA) contents were determined. In addition, determination of gene expression (Bax and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2)) levels in liver tissue. Results: sodium valproate revealed an increase in the liver enzymes activities with decrease in total protein content. Also, an elevation in TNF-α level, increase in liver MDA, GSSG and NO contents and decrease in GSH content, increasing gene expression of (Bax) and decreasing gene expression of (Bcl2) in liver tissue. Moringa attenuated the serum activities of liver markers enzymes, restored the normal redox status and inhibited the inflammatory factor. Also, ameliorated apoptotic signals. Histopathological examination confirmed the ameliorative effect for the Moringa leaves extract against VPA induced liver injury. Conclusion: These data suggest that moringa leaves extract is a promising pharmacological agent for preventing the potential hepatotoxicity of sodium valproate.

Keywords: Sodium valproate, Moringa oleifera, Hepatotoxicity, Gene Expression, Oxidative stress.