Downregulation of TLR4-NF-?B-p38 MAPK Signalling in Cholestatic Rats Treated with Cranberry Extract.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Cholestasis is a liver disease that occurs when bile flow is restricted or blocked. Estrogen-induced cholestasis is marked by a reduction in bile flow and the accumulation of bile acids in the liver as well as liver damage. The aim was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect on EE-induced cholestasis in rats of Cranberry Water Extract (CWE). <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Adult albino rats weighing approximately 150±10 g were divided into six groups of six animals each. As control groups, three groups (I, II and IV) and three experimental groups were used (III, V, VI). <b>Results:</b> Oral administration for 15 days of CWE (150 mg kg¹ b.wt.) in EE-treated rats (100 µg kg¹ 5 days b.wt.) improved serum cholesterol, bile acid and TBIL as well as hepatic SOD and GPx significantly. Also, CWE inhibited ALP, ALT, γ-GT activity as well as levels of TNF-α, NO, MMP-2 and MMP-9 and MDA in comparison with the EE treatment rats. On the other hand, the liver TLR4, NF-κB and p38MAPK gene expression was down regulated group of rats administrated with cranberry extract when compared with the EE-treated rats. CWE's prophylactic action II is more pronounced than prophylactic one. The hepatoprotective effects of cranberry in restoring normal liver functional ability were also supported by histopathological examination of liver tissues. <b>Conclusion:</b> The results show clearly that cranberry extract has a strong prophylactic effect in EE-induced cholestasis by normalizing the levels of TLR4, NF-κB and p38MAPK gene expression.

Resveratrol: A Potential Protector Against Benzo[a]pyrene- Induced Lung Toxicity.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a major component of lipophilic pollutants then can be translated to diffluent substances. The aim of t he present article was to investigate protective activity of resveratrol against lung toxicity induced by B[a]P. Material and Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups (6 animals/group): 3 negative control groups, control positive, B[a]P (20 mg kg¹ b.wt., resveratrol (50 mg kg¹ b.wt.)-B[a]P and vitamin C (1 g kg¹ b.wt.)-B[a]P groups. <b>Results:</b> The daily oral administration of the resveratrol (50 mg kg¹ b.wt.) and vitamin C (1 g kg¹ b.wt.) for 30 days to rats treated with B[a]P (20 mg kg¹ b.wt.) resulted in a significant improve plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-C as well as serum TNF-α, TBARS, IL-2,IL-6, haptoglobin, histamine, IgA, Ig E,Ig G and Ig M in B[a]P treated rats. On the other hand oral administration of resveratrol elevated the SOD, GPx and GR gene expression in lung rats treated with B[a]P. Furthermore, resveratrol and vitamin C nearly normalized these effects in lung histoarchitecture. <b>Conclusion:</b> The obtained biochemical, molecular biology and histological results of this study proved the lung protective activity of resveratrol against B[a]P induced lung toxicity in rats.