Protective effects of cordycepin on the histopathological changes and oxidative stress induced by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion in rats

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the effects of cordycepin on the histopathological changes and oxidative stress induced by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in rats.

Method: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups as group I (sham, n=10), group II (control, n=10), group III (I/R-untreated, n=10) and group IV (I/R-cordycepin, n=10). Liver ischemia was induced for 30 min then reperfusion was allowed for 1 h. At the end of the experiment, liver specimens and blood samples were taken for histopathological and antioxidant evaluations, and biochemical analysis.

Results: The levels of IL6, IL-1β, and TNFα in the serum and liver tissues were higher in the I/R-untreated group compared to the I/R-cordycepin treated group. In the I/R-cordycepin group, serum MDA levels were decreased compared with the I/R-untreated group. The I/R-cordycepin treated group showed an increase in TAS levels, and a decrease in TOS levels compared with I/R-untreated group. The histopathological injury score were significantly lower in the I/R-cordycepin treated group compared to the I/R-untreated group.  In the I/R-untreated group, the integrity of the hepatocyte cell lines deteriorated. Mononuclear inflammatory cells infiltrated the parenchyma regions, the sinuses dilated and there was diffuse congestion Preoperative treatment with cordycepine reduced histopathological abnormalities.

Conclusion: Cordycepin has demonstrated significant hepatoprotective effects against I/R injury induced in rats through TAS elevation and reduction of TOS, MDA and proinflammatory cytokines.