Bromobenzene-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats: the protective effect of flaxseed

The metabolites of bromobenzene (BB) are hepatotoxic. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of different doses of flaxseed extract in alleviating BB-hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. Oxidative stress parameters, drug metabolizing enzymes, a pro-inflammatory marker, an apoptotic marker, and DNA fragmentation pattern were also assessed. Animals were divided into five groups treated by intragastric intubation as follows: control, BB-treated 460?mg?kg^?1?BW alone; three animal groups (III, IV, V) were treated concurrently with 460?mg?kg^?1 BB daily for 3 weeks and different doses of flaxseeds extract: 100, 200, or 300?mg?kg^?1?BW. Oral treatment of BB produced a significant decrease in activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and glutathione levels, while activities of glutathione reductase and drug-metabolizing enzymes; glutathione-S-transferases and cytochrome P450 were enhanced. BB-treatment resulted in enhanced production of nitric oxide and activation of COX-2 and caspase-3. Pre-treatment with different doses of flaxseeds extract prior and during BB-treatment protected liver against BB-induced hepatotoxicity. The lower dose of flaxseed extract (100?mg?kg^?1) was most effective one.