The Egyptian Journal of Histology
The possible protective effect of berberine on monosodium glutamate induced liver toxicity in adult male albino rats
By Atef Nazmy Boulos.
Abstract
Objective
A known dietary additive called monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been associated to inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and liver injury. A naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid, berberine has strong hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities.
Aim
Through biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric analyses, this study sought to determine whether berberine may protect adult male albino rats against MSG-induced liver damage. Materials and Methods: 40 adult male albino rats were divided into 4 equal groups (n = 10) at random: control, MSG-treated (900 mg/kg/day), Berberine-treated (300 mg/kg/day), and MSG + Berberine-treated groups. For six weeks in a row, treatments were given orally. Body weight and serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were determined at the conclusion of the trial. Masson's trichrome stains and Hematoxylin and eosin were used to prepare liver specimens for histological analysis. Following immunohistochemical evaluation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and caspase-3 expression, morphometric analysis was carried out.
