Ameliorative effects of humic acid on copper-induced liver injury via antioxidant and chelating mechanisms
Küçük Resim Yok
Tarih
2025
Dergi Başlığı
Dergi ISSN
Cilt Başlığı
Yayıncı
Erişim Hakkı
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
Özet
The liver plays a critical role in metabolism, detoxification, and maintaining internal homeostasis. Excessive accumulation of copper (Cu), a metal with known toxic effects, can cause severe hepatic injury, particularly in genetic disorders such as Wilson’s disease. This study aimed to investigate the chelating and antioxidant properties of humic acid (HA) in mitigating Cu-induced toxicity, oxidative damage, and apoptosis in an experimental model. Forty male rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=10). Group I received a standard diet (Control); Group II received HA, 536 mg/kg/day, oral); Group III was administered copper sulfate (CuSO₄, 75 mg/kg/day, oral); Group IV received both HA and CuSO₄ for 14 days. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected post-euthanasia for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Biochemical parameters included alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), copper (Cu), ceruloplasmin, malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidative stress index (OSI), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Caspase-3 and 9 expressions were evaluated immunohistochemically. The CuSO₄ group showed significantly increased ALT, AST, and Cu levels, alongside elevated MDA and TOS, and reduced TAS, GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPx levels (p<0.05). HA treatment significantly reversed these alterations. Histopathologically, severe hepatic damage induced by CuSO₄ was markedly alleviated by HA. Additionally, caspase-3 and 9 expressions were significantly upregulated in the CuSO₄ group but notably reduced with HA administration. Humic acid exhibits both chelating and antioxidant effects in alleviating copper-induced hepatotoxicity. It reduces hepatic Cu accumulation, mitigates oxidative stress and apoptosis, and alleviates liver damage. Further clinical studies are required to determine its optimal dosage, formulation, and safety for human use.
Açıklama
Anahtar Kelimeler
Toksikoloji, Gastroenteroloji ve Hepatoloji, Biyokimya ve Moleküler Biyoloji
Kaynak
Medicine Science
WoS Q Değeri
Scopus Q Değeri
Cilt
14
Sayı
4
