Lophirones B and C prevent aflatoxin B1-induced oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation in rat hepatocytes

Context Despite the reported anticarcinogenic activity of lophirones B and C, no scientific information exists for its activity in rat hepatocytes. Objective Effect of lophirones B and C on aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1))-induced oxidative stress, and DNA fragmentation in rat hepatocytes was investigated. Materials and methods Wistar rat hepatocytes were incubated with lophirones B and C (1 mg/mL) or sylimarin (1 mg/mL) in the presence or absence of AFB(1). For an in vivo study, rats were orally administered with lophirones B and C, and/or AFB(1) (20 mu g/d) for 9 weeks. Results Lophirones B and C lowered AFB(1)-mediated increase in nitric oxide, superoxide anion radicals, caspase-3 and fragmented DNA. Lophirones B and C attenuated AFB(1)-mediated decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and reduced glutathione. Also, lophirones B and C attenuated AFB(1)-mediated increase in conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde in rat hepatocytes. Furthermore, AFB(1)-mediated alterations in alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, total bilirubin and globulin in rat serum were significantly annulled in lophirones B and C-treated rats. Conclusion This study revealed that lophirones B and C prevented AFB(1)-induced oxidative damage in rat hepatocytes.