Hepatoprotective Effects of Royal Jelly against Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress Induced by Sodium Fluoride in Male Rats

Najah Al-Baqami

Background and Objective: Fluorine in small doses has remarkable prophylactic influence, while in higher doses, it causes skeletal fluorosis. On the other hand, royal jelly is a type of functional food and dietary supplement with various biological actions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the impact of royal jelly (RJ) on hepatotoxicity, which is induced by Sodium Fluoride (NaF) in male rats by observing the fluctuations in biochemical parameters and histological structure. Materials and Methods: The hepatotoxicity of NaF alone or combined with RJ in rats was assessed. Several mechanisms exist based on histological studies, from the extensive production of reactive oxygen species to antioxidative damage and cytoprotective activity. About 40 mice were distributed into 4 groups, control and three groups administrated NaF (10.3 mg kg^–1), RJ diluted in NaCl (85 mg kg^–1) and NaF followed by RJ (30 min) for 30 days. Liver functions, inflammation markers, lipid profile, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated. Histological studies investigated the liver status. Results: The Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were increased in the NaF treated group than in the control group. All the lipid profiles increased with the effect of NaF. These results indicated that MDA levels in the hepatic tissues were markedly elevated and antioxidant enzyme levels were markedly declined in response to treatment with NaF. The MDA levels in the hepatic tissues were markedly elevated and antioxidant enzyme levels were markedly declined in response to treatment with NaF. The RJ mitigated sodium fluoride toxicity by enhancing liver markers based on the results. Conclusion: The RJ was a considerable antioxidant, which mitigated the oxidative damage induced by the administration of NaF.

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