The Potential Protective Effects of Brown Algae (Sargassum subrepandum) Powder on Benzo[A]Pyrene-Induced Hepatic and Renal Dysfunction in Rats

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a primary representative of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are produced during various food preparation and processing methods, such as baking, frying, grilling, and smoking. Exposure to B[a]P has been linked to liver toxicity and carcinogenic effects across all vertebrate species. This study aims to explore the potential protective effects of brown algae (Sargassum subrepandum) powder on benzo[a]pyrene-induced hepatic and renal dysfunction in rats. Thirty male albino rats were classified into two main groups, the first group (G1, 6 rats, as a negative control group) was fed the basal diet (BD) and the second main group (24 rats), challenged with B[a]P, was assigned to four groups of 6 rats per each as follow: group 2 (G2) acted as a model control of hepatotoxic rats, while groups (3-5) received Sargassum subrepandum powder (SSP) at concentrations of 1.5, 3.0 and 6 g/100g diet for 28 days each, respectively. B[a]P exposure significantly (p≤0.05) increased liver enzymes activities [AST (72.27%), ALT (95.94%), ALP (243.01%) and GGT (670.08%)], renal function indicators [serum urea, (231.88%), uric acid (170.05%) and creatinine (79.36%)], and MDA (2984.37%) accompanied by severe histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues comparing to the normal control group. Also, a significant (p≤0.05) deficiency in antioxidant enzymes [SOD (-78.14%), CAT (-97.35%) and GPX (-89.82%)], GSH (-86.98%), and immunoprotenis [albumen (-31.15%) and globulin (-30.62%)] were recorded. Treatment with SSP for 24 days exhibited a significant (p≤0.05) improvement in all of these parameters and the histoarchitecture of the liver and kidneys by different rats. The improvement in all assessed parameters demonstrated a dose-dependent response to the SSP intervention. In conclusion, the present results from this study indicate that treatment with SSP at the evaluated concentrations effectively mitigated the biochemical and histological injuries to the liver and kidneys induced by B[a]P, highlighting the potential of this intervention.