Effect Royal Jelly against Low Protein Diet Induced Hepatic Damage in Male Rats

Background: Proteins play the most important role in the structure and function of liver. Royal Jelly (RJ) as a honey bee secretion has antioxidant activities. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of RJ against hepatic damage in rats induced by Low Protein Diet (LPD). Materials and Methods: Forty‑eight male rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups: sham and LPD (%8 protein) groups; RJ groups (200 mg/kg RJ for 5 months and 200 mg/kg RJ for 10 months, orally) and LPD + RJ groups (200 mg/kg RJ orally + LPD for 5 months and 200 mg/kg RJ orally and LPD for 10 months). Griess technique was hired for determination of serum Nitric Ox ide (NO) level. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were determined for liver functional disturbances value. In addition, Thiobarbituric acid reactive species, antioxidant capacity, the diameter of hepatocytes and the Central Hepatic Vein (CHV) were investigated. Results: LPD significantly increased the liver Malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO levels, the mean diameter of CHV and hepatocyte, hepatic enzymes and decreased tissue Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) level compared to the sham group (P< 0.01). The RJ and RJ + LPD in all treatments significantly reduced the mean diameter of hepatocyte and CHV, hepatic enzymes, liver MDA and NO levels and increased tissue FRAP level compared to the LPD group (P< 0.01). Conclusion: RJ administration recovers the hepatic injury due to oxidative stress by LPD in rats.