Buchholzia Coriacea Up-Regulates Anti-Oxidant Genes and Represses Inflammatory and Apoptotic Genes in Post Administration of Sub-Chronic Dose of Acetaminophen Induced Hepato-Renal Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the possible renal and hepato-protective effects of ethanolic extract of Buchholzia coriacea seed and N-acetylcysteine, on gene expression in the liver and kidneys of Wistar rats subjected to post-treatment with sub-chronic dose of acetaminophen. Forty wistar rats were divided into eight groups of five rats in each group. Group 1 received only normal diet as control (CTRL); Group 2 received 14.28 mg/kg of acetaminophen (PM) once daily; Group 3 received 200 mg/kg of extract and 14.28 mg/kg b.w of acetaminophen (PM+E1); Group 4 received 400 mg/kg b.w of extract and 14.28 mg/kg b.w of acetaminophen (PM+E2); Group 5 received 70 mg/kg b.w. of N-acetylcysteine and 14.28 mg/kg b.w of acetaminophen (PM+N1); Group 6 received 150 mg/kg b.w of N-acetylcysteine and 14.28 mg/kg b.w of acetaminophen (PM+N2); Groups 7 and 8 received 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w of extract (E1 and E2) respectively. The second administration was carried out 6 hours after the first daily, and lasted for 90 days orally. The animals were sacrificed; liver and kidneys were excised for gene expression. The results showed that administration of Buchholzia coriacea extract following post-treatment with acetaminophen down-regulated the expression of fas ligand, KIM-1, interlukin-6 and prostaglandin in the kidneys. While administration of Buchholzia
coriacea extract up-regulated the expression of GST, GPX-1 and CYP1A2 genes in the liver. The extract had no significant effect on COX-2 gene. In conclusion, the potential beneficial effects of the ethanolic extract of Buchhozia coriacea seeds suggested that it had a wide range of health benefits which is expressed in its ability to reduce or halt inflammation and apoptosis, boost body immune system and detoxify harmful substance. Therefore, the extract from Buchholzia coriacea seeds could serve as a potent reparative drug in the treatment of acetaminophen hepato-renal toxicity.