Protective role of apilarnil against intense exercise-induced liver injury in rats: serological and histopathological evidence.

Abstract

Intense exercise is known to induce oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially leading to liver damage. This study examined the potential protective effects of apilarnil (AP), a natural bioactive compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, against exercise-induced liver injury. Thirty-five male Wistar albino rats were allocated into five groups: Control, non-exercise (NEX), exercise (EX), EX + AP1 (0.20 g kg^-1) and EX + AP2 (0.40 g kg^-1). At the end of the 14-day experiment, serum and liver tissue samples were collected for the analysis of histopathological changes, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines and serum biochemical parameters. Histopathological evaluations revealed substantial liver damage in the EX group. However, in the EX + AP1 and EX + AP2 groups, the severity of these lesions was significantly attenuated. Biochemical analyses demonstrated elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6 in the NEX group were markedly reduced by AP supplementation. Similarly, malondialdehyde levels were increased, while the activities of antioxidant enzymes - catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were declined in the NEX group. AP supplementation reversed these effects by lowering malondialdehyde levels and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities in the EX + AP1 and EX + AP2 groups. Additionally, serum biochemical analyses indicated improved lipid profiles and liver function parameters in the AP -treated groups compared to the NEX group. In conclusion, histopathological and biochemical findings indicated that AP supplementation mitigated exercise-induced liver damage by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, while enhancing antioxidant defenses.