Nutraceutical Synergy: Unraveling the Protective Effects of Methyl Gallate and Chia Seed Oil in Doxorubicin-induced Hepatic Injury and Bax/Bcl2 Imbalance.

BACKGROUND

Nutraceuticals like methyl gallate and chia seed oil are gaining global attention for their therapeutic potential. This study investigates their effects on hepatocyte apoptosis and liver architecture in a doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity model, utilizing techniques such as TUNEL assay, immunohistochemistry (Bax & Bcl2), H&E staining, and scanning electron microscopy.

METHODOLOGY: Thirty female Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=6): Group I (Normal healthy control), Group II (Doxorubicin-intoxicated control), Group III (Doxorubicin-intoxicated + methyl gallate), Group IV (Doxorubicin-intoxicated + chia seed oil), and Group V (Doxorubicin-intoxicated + both). Liver function tests, histology, and cell apoptosis analysis were performed to assess the effects.

RESULTS

Doxorubicin-intoxicated rats (Group II) exhibited significantly elevated ALT, AST, and ALP levels (p < 0.001) and severe hepatic damage compared to controls. Group III and Group IV showed significant reductions in liver enzyme levels (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively), while Group V demonstrated the most significant decrease (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry revealed increased Bax and decreased Bcl2 expression in Group II (p < 0.001), which improved significantly with methyl gallate, chia seed oil, and their combination (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). TUNEL assay showed reduced apoptotic index in treatment groups, with Group V showing the most significant reduction (p < 0.001). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirmed restoration of hepatocyte architecture, especially in Group V.

CONCLUSION

Methyl gallate and chia seed oil, individually and in combination, demonstrated significant hepatoprotective effects against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity, with the combination showing the greatest efficacy. These nutraceuticals hold promise as adjunct therapies to reduce doxorubicin-induced liver injury.