Alleviation of the arsenic induced hepatotoxicity in rats by ginger or omega-3: a histological and biochemical study

Background: Millions of individuals worldwide are unintentionally exposed to arsenic through food and water. Arsenic bioaccumulates in the human body and causes organ toxicity, especially hepatotoxicity, through apoptosis, inflammation, and the production of oxidative stress markers.  Aim of the study:  We aimed to determine whether Ginger (Zingiber officinale) or omega-3 could mitigate the hepatotoxicity that rats experienced from long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water.  Methods: Rats were randomly assigned into four groups (10/group): a control group, an arsenic exposed group (20 mg/kg body weight) only, or an arsenic exposed group in the presence of either Zingiber officinale (12 mg/kg of body weight) or omega-3 (100 mg/kg b.w.) daily for 28 days. We used different biochemical parameters to assess liver functions, such as oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory markers, and histological and immunohistochemical stains.  Results: Arsenic exposure to rats in drinking water results in hepatotoxicity, proved by increased liver enzymes and structural pathological changes in the liver, those mediated by increased oxidative stress, antiapoptotic effects, and inflammatory parameters, while supplementation of either Zingiber officinale or omega-3- to arsenic exposed rats significantly (P < 0.05) improved liver function biomarkers and alleviated oxidative stress induced by arsenic as well as, liver protection as confirmed by our histological and findings.  Conclusion: Ginger or omega-3 are safe and effective antioxidants to ameliorate arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity. Keywords: Arsenic; Oxidation; Inflammation; Ginger; Omega-3.