Immunophysiological comparison for induced hepatocellular carcinoma treated by alcoholic extract and nano-extract of opuntia ficus indica

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the preventive effects of alcoholic and nano extracts of cactus pear fruit (Opuntia ficus-indica) pulp and peel against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic toxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation in male albino rats.

Methods: The rats used in this investigation were randomly distributed into six groups with 6 animals per group, taking into account weights as follows: Group 1: given only (NaCl % 0.9) for 14 weeks. The group2: is injected with thioacetamide (TAA) at a dosage of 200 mg/kg dissolved in distilled water and given for 14 weeks to induce Hepatic cancer. The group3: is given the alcoholic extract of prickly pear (pulp) at a dose of 100 mg/kg, after which TAA is given until the end of the experiment. The group4: given the alcoholic extract of prickly pear (peels) at a dose of 100g/kg, after which TAA is given until the end of the experiment. The group5: given extract in the nano form (pulp) (54 mg/kg), after which TAA is given until the end of the experiment. The group6: given extract in the nano form (peels) (50 mg/kg), after which TAA is given until the end of the.

Results: TAA exposure markedly raised liver enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT) and total bilirubin, reduced antioxidant markers (GSH, SOD, COX), and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1) in comparison with control group. Treatment with alcoholic and nano extracts markedly increased liver function parameters, reinstated antioxidant status, and decreased oxidative damage and inflammatory cytokine levels.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that prickly pear fruit extracts demonstrate significant hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially hindering the advancement of TAA-induced hepatocellular carcinoma.