Alleviation Effect of Dimethylnitrosamine-Induced Liver Toxicity by Supplementation of Beta Vulgaris Leaves Powder in Rats

Hepatotoxicity is the damage to liver cells caused by exposure to toxic substances (drugs, chemicals, and environmental agents) which lead to functional impairment and liver disease. Beta vulgaris leaves are natural plants that have garnered attention due to its rich phytochemical composition and potential therapeutic effects. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the effect of dried Beta Vulgaris leaves on the amelioration of hepatotoxicity induced by N-Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats. Forty adult male rats (Sprague Dawley Strain), weighing about 180±5g, were randomized into five groups, each with eight rats. Group 1, negative control group (healthy rats) and fed on a basal diet. Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 were injected IP with DMN in a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight to induce liver toxicity. Group 2 kept as a positive control group fed on the basal diet. While the other three groups fed on the supplemented diet with Beta vulgaris leaves at a level of 2.5%, 5%, and 10% of the diet, respectively. The obtained results exhibit that positive control group had a significant (P<0.05) reduction in FI, FBW, BWG, and RBWG, serum concentration of TP, Alb, HDL-c, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GSH, and GPx), and an increase in the activities of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP), serum levels of TBL, DBL, IDBL, TL, TG, TC and LDL-c, UN, Cr and UA , MDA, compared to negative control group fed the basal diet. Histopathological examination of liver sections of the positive control group revealed portal fibroplasia associated with inflammatory cells   infiltration, portal congestion and hepatic atrophy. As well the size of the hepatocytes and their nuclei was reduced, with nuclei appearing more closely spaced with no evidence of glycogen accumulation. However, rats with hepatotoxicity fed the complemented diet with the different levels (2.5, 5, and 10%) of Beta Vulgaris leaves have a significant (P<0.05) increase in FI, FBW, BWG, and RBWG, serum levels of TP, Alb, TBL, DBL, and IDBL, HDL- c and activities of the antioxidant enzymes, as well as significant reduction in the liver enzyme activities, serum levels of TL, TG, TC and LDL-c, UN, Cr, UA and MDA, compared to the positive control group. Microscopic examination of liver sections of hepatotoxic rats in the treated group with added 2.5 and 5% of Beta Vulgaris leaves to the diet showed moderate improvement and visible normal hepatocytes with 10% of Beta Vulgaris leaves. Finally, we concluded the beneficial health effect of the Beta Vulgaris leaves on hepatotoxic rats, which exhibits the ability to improve body weight, liver, and kidney functions. In addition to their beneficial effects on controlling and treating dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and increasing activity of antioxidant enzymes.