Urtica pilulifera leaves extract mitigates cadmium induced hepatotoxicity via modulation of antioxidants, inflammatory markers and Nrf-2 signaling in mice

Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) is a harmful heavy metal that results in many toxic
issues. Urtica pilulifera showed potential pharmaceutical applications. This study
investigated the possible ameliorative mechanism of Urtica pilulifera leaves
extract (UPLE) against hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium chloride
(CdCl2) in mice.
Methods: In vitro phytochemical screening and the metal-chelating activity of
UPLE were ascertained. Four groups of forty male mice were used (n = 10) as
follows; Group 1 (G1) was a negative control. G2 was injected i.p., with UPLE
(100 mg/kg b. wt) daily. G3 was injected i.p., with Cd (5 mg/kg b. wt) daily. G4 was
injected with Cd as in G3 and with UPLE as in G2. On day 11, the body weight
changes were evaluated, blood, and serum samples were collected for
hematological and biochemical assessments. Liver tissues were used for
biochemical, molecular, and histopathological investigations.
Results: The results showed that UPLE contains promising secondary metabolites
that considerably lessen the negative effects of Cd on liver. Furthermore, UPLE
inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation; restored antioxidant molecules; and
promoted nuclear-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) expression. Also, UPLE improved the
histopathological alterations induced by Cd.
Discussion: This study explored the beneficial role of UPLE treatment in Cdinduced
liver injury through enhancing Nrf-2 signaling and antioxidant enzyme
gene expression in the liver of mice. Therefore, UPLE could have valuable
implications against hepatotoxicity induced by environmental cadmium
exposure. Which can be used as a chelating agent against Cd.