Anthocyanin-rich Riceberry bran extract attenuates gentamicin-induced hepatotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in rats

Liver plays an important role in the detoxification and metabolic elimination of various drugs and harmful substances. The damaging effects on the liver tissue treated with gentamicin are multi-factorial and their mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of anthocyanin-rich Riceberry bran extract on gentamicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Riceberry bran extract was given by oral administration 30 min before gentamicin injection for 15 consecutive days. Serum levels of liver marker enzymes, AST and ALT, were significantly elevated and the total serum protein level was markedly reduced in gentamicin-treated rats. Gentamicin injection led to the significant increase in hepatic MDA level and decrease SOD expression. Liver inflammation and apoptosis were observed in gentamicin-treated rats as indicated by the increases in NF-κB, TNF-αR1, COX2, and iNOS, caspase-3, Bax, and decrease in Bcl-XL expressions. Riceberry bran extract significantly prevented gentamicin-induced the elevations of serum AST, ALT and the reduction of serum total protein. These were related to the inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in Riceberry bran extract treatment. These findings suggest that anthocyanin-rich Riceberry bran extract can prevent liver dysfunction and damage induced by gentamicin, possibly through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.