Gene expression and histopathological analysis of the effect of Allium cepa on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced Anti-Hepatic steatosis in Wister rats

Adeniran, Olawale Yakubu; Metibemu, Damilohun Samuel; Amusa, Arobadade Oluwatobiloba; Ogunlade, Olalekan Adeola; Rowaiye, Adekunle Babajide; Babatunde, Peter Femi

doi:10.21608/ajgh.2025.343825.1072

	Gene expression and histopathological analysis of the effect of Allium cepa on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced Anti-Hepatic steatosis in Wister rats
African Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Volume 8, Issue 1, 2025, Page 51-73 PDF (1 MB)
Document Type: Scientific Research
DOI: 10.21608/ajgh.2025.343825.1072
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Authors
Olawale Yakubu Adeniran ¹; Damilohun Samuel Metibemu ¹; Arobadade Oluwatobiloba Amusa ¹; Olalekan Adeola Ogunlade ¹; Adekunle Babajide Rowaiye ²; Peter Femi Babatunde ¹^{, 2}
¹Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
²National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria.
Abstract
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver condition in developed countries, posing a significant public health challenge. Its increasing incidence is attributed mainly to rising rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome, and this highlights the need for effective preventive and management strategies. Aim: This study investigated onion (Allium cepa) as a treatment for carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fatty liver disease. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats (150-200g) were divided into seven groups. Group 1 received only water and standard feed; Group 2 received onion extract for 8 weeks; Group 3 received CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg bw, i.p.) twice weekly for 8 weeks; Groups 4 and 5 received CCl4 for 5 weeks followed by 100 mg/kg bw/day and 200 mg/kg bw/day of onion extract, respectively, for 3 weeks; Groups 6 and 7 received CCl4 for 5 weeks followed by raw onion mixed with feed in different ratios for 3 weeks. Liver gene expressions and histology were analyzed. Results: Exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) significantly (P < 0.05) increased levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and HMG-CoA reductase, indicating liver damage. Histological analysis confirmed structural alterations in all groups except the control. Treatment with onion extract, particularly at 200 mg/kg, reduced AFP, TNF-α, and HMG-CoA reductase levels and improved liver histology. Conclusion: This study suggests Allium cepa may alleviate liver damage in CCl4-induced fatty liver disease, advocating further research on its long-term safety, efficacy, and molecular mechanisms.
Keywords
Allium cepa; Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4); Therapeutic; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; TNF-α; Metabolic syndrome; Obesity; Onion extract; AFP; Liver histology
Supplementary Files Gene expression and histopathological analysis.docx decision on manuscript.docx Response.docx

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