ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES ON HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF TRIGONELLA FOENUM GRAECUM SEEDS IN ALCOHOLIC RATS.

Pribac, G.; Craciun, C.; Rosioru, Corina; Ardelean, A.; Czapar, Maria; Simeoni, Iuliana; Mos, Liana

Because of their content in polyphenolic flavonoids, Trigonella foenum graecum seeds have antioxidant and membrane-protective effects, as reported by several Indian research teams. In this geographical area, fenugreek is used not only for its curative effects, but also as a flavoring food supplement. Most studies focused on the hypoglicemiant and antidiabetic properties of fenugreek seeds; there are also a few evidences regarding their utilisation in preventing alcoholic liver pathology. Our paper was done using an in vivo experimental model, in which animals were administered two differents doses of grounded seeds, on the background of ethanol intoxication. Animals were adult male Wistar rats weighing 180-200 g, divided into four groups: a control (C) group, which received a standard diet and water ad libitum; an ethanol-treated group (EtOH) which received the same standard diet and 10% (v/v) ethanol in the water; two groups which had the same ethanol solution instead of drinking water, and their diet contained 5% and 10%, respectively, fenugreek flour (EtOHTr5 and EtOHTr10). The alcohol and fenugreek flour were administered daily, for 30 days. At the end of the treatment period, animals were killed and liver samples were collected, for histological and ultrastructural investigations. The livers of EtOH animals showed macro- and microvesicular fat infiltrations, as well as inflammation in the periportal regions, which are the first areas subjected to neutrophil invasion. Ethanol induced major modifications in hepatocyte nuclei, which had an irregular outline and large heterochromatin areas. Hepatocytes fatty infiltration was accompanied by dilatation of sinusoids, altered function of Ito cells, proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). Mitochondria became condensed, electrondense, with dilated cristae. In EtOHTr5 and EtOHTr10 groups, which received fenugreek flour and ethanol, the structural and ultrastructural modifications caused by alcohol intoxication were much attenuated, better results being obtained with 5% fenugreek. SER proliferation was substantially reduced and the appearance of mitochondria was similar to the one in control animals. The lipid droplets followed the normal transit from parenchimal cells to Ito cells, which preserved their function as lipocytes. Periportal inflammation was also diminished. The majority of parenchymal cells nuclei preserved their spherical shape and were predominantly euchromatic, with little, evenly dispersed heterochromatin. Our results plead for the utilisation of Trigonella seeds as a dietary supplement, to prevent cellular alteration and the onset of steatosis and fibrosis, in subjects with liver conditions produced by excessive drinking.

INDIA; LIVER cells; ULTRASTRUCTURE (Biology); TRIGONELLA; LABORATORY rats; FLAVONOIDS; HYPOGLYCEMIC agents; NEUTROPHILS

Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology, 2010, Vol 15, Issue 2, p373

2067-3019

Academic Journal