Effect of the Egyptian propolis on the hepatic antioxidant defense and pro-apoptotic p53 and anti-apoptotic bcl2 expressions in aflatoxin B1 treated male mice

Aflatoxins are potent hepatotoxic due to their role in producing reactive oxygen species and consequently peroxidative damage. Propolis is a honey bee product known for its antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to verify the antioxidant effect of the Egyptian propolis extract (EPE) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Forty eight male mice were divided: first, second and third groups were used as control receiving saline, olive oil and EPE respectively, fourth was AFB1 group, fifth and sixth received EPE post or pre AFB1 treatment, respectively. EPE was given as (0.2 mg/kg) 3 times a week. AFB1 was given as a single dose (0.25 μg/kg). After 2 weeks, the mice were scarified and biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations were assessed. EPE has a high content of total phenolics and alkaloids. The inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) value for DPPH radical scavenging was 1353.8 μg/mL. Pretreatment with EPE improved AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity represented in lowering alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides, lipid peroxidation and pro-apoptotic p53 expression to 33.48 ± 1.98 IU/ml, 53.00 ± 2.37 IU/ml, 123.50 ± 2.02 IU/ml, 76.50 ± 2.66 mg/dl, 54.00 ± 3.03 mg/dl, 2.22 ± 0.14 nmol/g and 4.31 ± 2.1 cells/field and raising the reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and anti-apoptotic bcl2 expression to 3.37 ± 1.65 nmol/g, 4.92 ± 0.25 nmol/g, 57 ± 0.91 UI/g and 39.7 ± 5.9 cells/field which all had non-significant differences with the control, respectively. In conclusion, EPE can attenuate aflatoxin B1-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.