Catechin, quercetin and taxifolin improve redox and biochemical imbalances in rotenone-induced hepatocellular dysfunction: Relevance for therapy in pesticide-induced liver toxicity?

• Published in: Pathophysiology (Amsterdam) 2018-12, Vol.25 (4), p.365-371
• Main Authors: Akinmoladun, Afolabi C., Oladejo, Comfort Odunayo, Josiah, Sunday Solomon, Famusiwa, Courage Dele, Ojo, Olubukola Benedicta, Olaleye, M. Tolulope
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Flavonoids; Hepatotoxicity; Rotenone; Structure-activity relationship
• ISSN: 0928-4680; 1873-149X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2018.07.002

Hepatotoxicity occurs as a result of adverse effects of some xenobiotics on the liver, which is often the target tissue of toxicity for environmental chemicals. Rotenone, used as a natural pesticide, is an environmental poison reported to cause organ toxicity. This study investigated the protective effect of three flavonoids, catechin, quercetin and taxifolin (2,3-Dihydroquercetin) in rotenone-induced hepatotoxicity. Male Wistar rats were administered rotenone for 10 days followed by post treatment with catechin (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg), quercetin (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) or taxifolin (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg), respectively, for 3 days. Bioindices of oxidative stress and hepatocellular injury were measured in serum and tissue homogenate of animals. Rotenone intoxication produced liver damage in rats as reflected in alterations to activities/levels of enzymic and non-enzymic oxidative stress markers and enzymes linked with inflammation, as well as the transaminases, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase. Catechin, quercetin and taxifolin post treatment significantly attenuated these (p