The Protective Effect of Chrysin on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Lithium-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Background Drugs are an important cause of liver injury. Chrysin is a flavonoid and the main constituent of Oroxylum indicum . Many pharmacological and biological benefits have been attributed to it. These include anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Aim We intended investigating the anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, in addition antioxidant influence of chrysin on lithium-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and methods The present research was conducted at the Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt. A total of 40 albino male rats weighing between 150 and 200 g were included in this experiment and were split randomly into 4 equal groups (each group involved 10 rats): group I (control), group II (lithium treated), group III (lithium+chrysin), and group IV (chrysin treated). All rats that were acquired originated in the laboratory’s animal colony at Tanta University. Liver function tests, total and direct bilirubin, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, caspase-3, and nuclear factor-kappa B levels were measured. Results Chrysin treatment resulted in significant decrease in liver functions, total and direct bilirubin, caspase-3, nuclear factor-kappa B, and malondialdehyde levels and significant increase in superoxide dismutase activity, with reduced glutathione intensity. Conclusion Based on these correlating findings, it is possible to conclude that chrysin has protective potential on lithium-induced hepatotoxicity; therefore, it represents a promising therapeutic strategy in its management.