Biocomponents from Opuntia robusta and Opuntia streptacantha fruits protect against diclofenac-induced acute liver damage in vivo and in vitro

This study aimed to investigate whether Opuntia spp-extracts protect against diclofenac (DF)-induced hepatotoxicity. Rats were pretreated with Opuntia extracts, betanin (Bet) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) followed by a single challenge of diclofenac. Liver tissue was collected for biochemical and histological analysis. Primary rat hepatocytes were treated with diclofenac (400 mu mol/L) with and without pretreatment with Opuntia extract. Apoptosis was measured by caspase-3 activity and necrosis by Sytox green staining. RNA was isolated, and realtime qPCR was performed to assess mRNA levels of stress and apoptosis-related genes MnSOD (SOD2), GADD45B and P53. ROS production was measured using the fluorescent MitoSOX assay. Results demonstrated that Opuntia spp-extracts protect against DF-induced liver toxicity via reducing oxidative stress and the inhibition of P53

Hepatoprotective Effect of Opuntia robusta and Opuntia streptacantha Fruits against Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Damage

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver failure (ALF) is a serious health problem in developed countries. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), the current therapy for APAP-induced ALF, is not always effective, and liver transplantation is often needed. Opuntia spp. fruits are an important source of nutrients and contain high levels of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Opuntia robusta and Opuntia streptacantha extracts against APAP-induced ALF. In addition, we analyzed the antioxidant activities of these extracts. Fruit extracts (800mg/kg/day, orally) were given prophylactically to male Wistar rats before intoxication with APAP (500 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Rat hepatocyte cultures were exposed to 20mmol/LAPAP, and necrosis was assessed by LDH leakage. Opuntia robusta had significantly higher levels of antioxidants than Opuntia streptacantha. Both extracts significantly attenuated APAP-induced injury markers AST, ALT and ALP and improved liver histology. The Opuntia extracts reversed APAP-induced depletion of liver GSH and glycogen stores. In cultured hepatocytes, Opuntia extracts significantly reduced leakage of LDH and cell necrosis, both prophylactically and therapeutically. Both extracts appeared to be superior to NAC when used therapeutically. We conclude that Opuntia extracts are hepatoprotective and can be used as a nutraceutical to prevent ALF