engleski

Hepatoprotective effect of cocoa polyphenols (Theobroma cacao L.) against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in mice

Cocoa is a food rich in polyphenols, especially flavonoids, which possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Their potential health effects include general antioxidant effects protecting against reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are involved in the etiology of many degenerative diseases. But, little is known about their impact on liver diseases. In this study, we have investigated the hepatoprotective activity of cocoa polyphenols (CP) and epicatechin (EPI), as the major antioxidant in cocoa extract, in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in female BALB/cN mice. Cocoa extract and epicatechin in doses of 3.37 mg/kg and 2.24 mg/kg were administrated after previously CCl4- induced liver damage (in dose 1 mg/kg). Differences between the groups (control, CCl4, EPI and CP groups) assessed by a nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test with p0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. CCl4 intoxication resulted in hepatic necrosis and increased plasma transaminases (ALT, AST, and the ALP). Blood glucose and lactate concentration were also significantly increased. Liver injury was associated with a significant decrease in mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (mtSOD) activity and cytosolic glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase activity (CAT), as well as total protein thiols. Serum TNF-alpha and IFN- gamma were significantly increased. EPI and especially CP increased cytosolic, plasma membrane and mitochondrial total antioxidant capacity (TAC). SOD, GPx and CAT elevated markedly after EPI and CP treatments. Serum TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma were significantly decreased compared to CCl4 group. The results of the current study suggest that cocoa and epicatechin exhibit significant hepatoprotective activity. Cocoa polyphenols also provided better hepatoprotection when compared to epicatechin. Due to these health impacts, it seems that cocoa belongs to “super foods”.

cocoa polyphenols ; liver ; antioxidants ; inflammation

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