Onion Peel Quercetin Attenuates Ethanol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice by Preventing Oxidative Stress and Steatosis

Abstract

Introduction: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a histological abnormality of the liver that ranges from steatosis to fibrosis/cirrhosis. This study examines the role of onion peel quercetin (OPQ) on oxidative stress, liver function and steatosis in ethanol-treated mice over two phases, protective and therapeutic.

Methods: In each phase, 25 mice were divided equally among five groups (n = 5). In both phases, groups 1 and 2 received vehicle and ethanol, respectively, for 8 days. In the protective phase, groups 3 - 5 received 50 mg/kg OPQ, 100 mg/kg OPQ and 100 mg/kg silymarin, followed by ethanol for 8 days. Mice in these groups were euthanized on day 9. In the therapeutic phase, groups 3 - 5 received ethanol for 8 days and were then treated with 50 mg/kg OPQ, 100 mg/kg OPQ and 100 mg/kg silymarin for an additional 8 days before being euthanized on day 17.

Results: Significant decreases in ALT, AST, and ALP serum levels were observed in mice that received OPQ and silymarin compared to mice that received ethanol (P < 0.05). The catalase activity of mice treated with 50 mg/kg OPQ was significantly higher than in controls (P < 0.05). OPQ treatment significantly improved MDA levels relative to controls (P < 0.05). Hepatocyte degeneration, steatosis, and increased lipid peroxidation were observed in ethanol-treated mice. OPQ significantly decreased ALP, ALT, and AST serum levels compared with ethanol treatment (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Therefore, OPQ can be used as an antioxidant to delay the onset and progression of liver disease by preventing lipid peroxidation, regulating liver function, and promoting albumin synthesis.