Liver disorders related to exposure to gasoline fumes in male rats and role of fenugreek seed supplementation.

Progressive effects of inhalation of gasoline fumes on the liver and the protective potential with fenugreek seed supplementation were evaluated in adult male rats. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups, unexposed control and fenugreek groups, as well as exposed groups to gasoline fumes for 6 h/6 days/week for 10 weeks, with and without supplementation of fenugreek seed powder in food (5%w/w). Exposure to gasoline fumes resulted in a significant elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, total triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein, along with a significant decrease in high-density lipoprotein, total protein, and albumin contents compared to the control. Meanwhile, liver oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide, were highly detected with decreased antioxidants, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Also, levels of inflammatory markers, interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6, were significantly elevated with fibrotic markers, transforming growth factor (TGFβ1), fibroblast growth factor (FGF1), and collagen I. Histopathological studies illustrated that rats exposed to gasoline fumes have degenerated hepatocytes with cellular infiltration and necrotic areas, along with remarkable deposition of collagen fibers, suggesting an incidence of liver fibrosis. Administration of fenugreek seeds, rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components, during gasoline exposure showed significant amelioration through suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation.