Molecular mechanisms underlying histological and biochemical changes induced by nitrate in rat liver and the efficacy of S-Allylcysteine

This study was designed to investigate structural and ultra-structural changes induced by nitrate in rat liver, examine their molecular basis, and evaluate the possible protective role of S-Allylcysteine (SAC). Adult male albino rats were assigned to: control, SAC, nitrate, and nitrate+ SAC groups. Serum ALT and AST were measured. Liver samples were processed for light and electron microscope examinations, biochemical analysis, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and Bcl-2. Nitrate induced histopathological and biochemical alterations in rat liver. The underlying mechanisms included nitrosative and oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis that are alleviated by SAC.