PMID: Avicenna J Phytomed. 2021 Nov-Dec;11(6):622-632. PMID: 34804899 Abstract Title: Saffron offers hepatoprotection via up-regulation of hepatic farnesoid-X-activated receptors in a rat model of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Abstract: Objectives: The most important toxicity of acetaminophen is hepatotoxicity. Farnesoid X-activated receptors () are one of the nuclear receptor superfamily members which have a pivotal role in the bile acid regulation. The objective of the present study was to examine the role ofin mediating the hepatoprotective effects of saffron.Methods: Male Wister rats were randomly allocated into five groups including a control, vehicle, acetaminophen and two saffron extract groups of 150 and 300 mg/kg/day. The liver function and hepaticexpression were evaluated using biochemical assay and real time RT-PCR, respectively. Data analysis was performed using the one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple range test.Results: Levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of the acetaminophen group were significantly higher than the control group whereas those of the extract-treated groups were significantly lower than those of the acetaminophen group. The real time RT-PCR findings showed a non-significant down-regulation ofmRNA expression, however, a dose-dependentup-regulation was seen in the groups treated with 150 and 300 mg/kg of the extract for 2.67 (p=0.002) and 10.22 (p=0.0001) fold, respectively.Conclusion: The main finding of the present study was that the hepaticup-regulation had an important role in saffron hepatoprotective activity.
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