Modulatory effect of the red sea soft coral extracts on hepatotoxicity induced by carcinogenic agents in rat model

ABSTRACT

Recently, there has been a growing interest in the presence of pharmacologically active components in the aquatic environment. Soft corals are prominent reef organisms in the Red Sea and are prolific sources of terpenoids, especially cembranoid diterpenes. The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of the extract from the aqueous MeOH [80%] extract of each of the three Red Sea soft corals Sinularia polydactyla, Sarcophyton trocheliophorum and Xenia macrospiculata on hepatic toxicity induced by the carcinogenic agents 7, 12 dimethyl benz [a] anthracene [DMBA] and 12-Otetradecanoyl phorbol-13- acetate [TPA] in adult female rats. The results revealed that the liver functions were markedly improved and the levels of tumor markers as well as the inorganic free radical "NO" in serum were significantly decreased as a results of the treatment with three coral extracts. Moreover, treatment of DMBA and TPA-intoxicated groups with the coral extracts resulted in significant reduction in hepatic oxidative stress in concomitant with significant elevation in hepatic SOD activity as compared to the group intoxicated with DMBA and TPA only. Serum estradiol and corticosterone levels were high significantly decreased in the groups intoxicated with DMBA and TPA and treated with the three extracts compared to the group intoxicated with DMBA and TPA only. The soft coral Xenia macrospiculata extract, exerted the highest potential to inhibit hepatotoxicity induced by the tested carcinogenic agents. Each of the soft coral extracts has played a vital role in modulating the severe hepatotoxicity caused by the administration of the two carcinogenic agents DMBA and TPA. The liver functions were significantly promoted beyond normal status, while the hepatooxidative stress was markedly depressed. These results may provide new concept for development of effective therapies for some diseases involving hepatotoxicity