Hepatoprotective effects of fat-soluble vitamins and polyphenols against Benzo[a]pyrene-induced liver damage

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a pervasive environmental pollutant that poses substantial health risks due to its carcinogenic and hepatotoxic effects. The liver, being the primary site of BaP metabolism, is particularly susceptible to its toxic effects. This review aims to uncover the mechanism by which polyphenols and fat-soluble vitamins alleviate Benzo[a] pyrene-induced liver damage, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic interventions. An abstract-based review and discussion of relevant papers from top databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science, was carried out. The outcomes showed that BaP exposure triggers the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) damage, and disruption of cellular antioxidant defenses ultimately leading to hepatocyte injury and liver dysfunction. Fortunately, polyphenols, a class of dietary antioxidants, and fat- soluble vitamins have been found to exert protective effects against BaP-induced hepatotoxicity by neutralizing ROS, modulating antioxidant enzymes, and regulating inflammatory pathways. Polyphenols inhibit BaP-induced CYP1A1 expression, reducing BaP bio-activation and toxicity. Although the antioxidant activity of vitamins A, D, and K is less effective, polyphenols and vitamin E have the efficacy to reduce the toxicity induced by BaP.