Ameliorative Effects of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) on Incense Smoke-Induced Oxidative Stress and Hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats

Abstract

Indoor air pollution caused by incense smoke is a significant health risk, especially in developing countries where incense consumption is heavily influenced by both home and religion. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the potential of broccoli (Brassica oleracea) specific to its ameliorative effects on rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to incense smoke. The methodology involved three experimental groups designed by exposing each group of rats to incense smoke for an hour every day and providing broccoli extract orally to one of these three groups during a total of 28 days. Liver function was determined using ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, and albumin levels. In addition to using these methods to determine liver function, histological assessment via light microscopy of the liver was conducted to look for any signs of structural liver damage. Increased liver damage occurred within the incense-smoke-exposed group when evaluated via ALT, AST, and ALP levels as compared to the control group. In the incense smoke-exposed rats, there was decreased protein and albumin levels found; these results are consistent with impaired liver function. Additionally, significant liver damage and impairment of structure and function were substantiated histologically by necrosis, degeneration, vacuolization, dilation, and infiltration of inflammatory cells within the liver. Supplementation with broccoli resulted in significant improvements and reductions in rat liver damage. Evaluated using the same parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, and albumin) as the incense exposure group, rats in the broccoli-treatment group exhibited improvements toward normality. Histologically, cellular damage, inflammatory infiltrates, and structure were also significantly improved when compared to the incense smoke-exposed group. Due to the high quantities of antioxidants such as sulforaphane, flavonoids, and vitamins found in broccoli, it is reasonable to assume that the hepatoprotective effects of broccoli have occurred through the antioxidant potential of these compounds and through enhanced detoxification pathways through direct neutralization of oxidative stress. In conclusion, incense smoke exposure is associated with significant oxidative-stress-mediated hepatotoxicity, while broccoli demonstrates a significant protective effect against oxidative-stress-mediated toxicity, and should be further studied as a natural therapeutic alternative against environmental toxin exposures that cause liver damage