Methanol leaf extract of Momordica charantia protects alloxan-induced hepatopathy through modulation of caspase-9 and interleukin-1[beta] signaling pathways in rats

• Published in: Veterinary World Vol. 13; no. 8; p. 1528
• Main Authors: Ofuegbe, Sunday Oluwaseun, Oyagbemi, Ademola Adetokunbo, Omobowale, Temidayo Olutayo, Adedapo, Aduragbenro Deborah, Ayodele, Abiodun Emmanuel, Yakubu, Momoh Audu, Oguntibeju, Oluwafemi O, Adedapo, Adeolu Alex
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Veterinary World 01-08-2020
• Subjects: Antioxidants (Nutrients); Aspartate; Biological products; Blood glucose; Glutathione transferase; Glyburide; Herbal medicine; Interleukins; Liver; Methanol; Peroxides; Phosphatases; Pyrimidines; Nigeria
• ISSN: 0972-8988
• DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1528-1535

Background and Aim: Momordica charantia is a highly valued plant, widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is reported to have a wide range of medicinal uses. This study was designed to explore the ameliorative potential of M. charantia methanol leaf extract in alloxan-induced diabetic animal model with a particular focus on the liver. Materials and Methods: Hepatoprotective effect of methanol leaf extract of M. charantia was assessed in alloxan-induced toxicity in 50 rats divided into five groups (A-E) (n=10). Group A normal control, Group B was toxicant group, and Group C animals received glibenclamide treatment while Groups D and E received extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days. Histopathological changes, blood glucose level, and serum enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, oxidative status and caspase-9, and interleukin-[beta] (IL-1[beta]) were evaluated. Results: Extract-treatment caused a decreased blood glucose level, markers of oxidative stress such as malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide ([H.sub.2][O.sub.2]). Treatment of rats with leaf extract of M. charantia resulted in increased levels and activities of protein thiols, non-protein thiols, glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase indicating its antioxidant potential. The liver section revealed mild distortion of the hepatic architecture compared to the toxicant group, while decreased expressions of caspase-9 and IL-1[beta] in extract-treated groups was observed. Conclusion: The plant extract exhibited antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, thus showing its hepatoprotective property. Keywords: antioxidant, caspase-9, hepatotoxicity, histopathology, interleukin-1[beta], Momordica charantia.