Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) are secondary metabolites produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus, of which Aflatoxin-B1 (AFB1) appears to be the most cancerogenic and of the highest toxicity. AFB1 causes serious effects on several organs including the liver. Morin is a flavonol that exists in many fruits and plants and has diverse biological properties including anticancer, anti-atherosclerotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and multi-organ protective activities. The present study aims to evaluate the potential protective effects of morin against acute AFB1-induced hepatic and cardiac toxicity in rats. Forty rats were divided into five groups (n = 8) as follows: control received the vehicle, morin was orally administered 30/mg/kg body weight (MRN30), the AFB1 was administered orally at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg, twice on days 12 and 14 of the experiment for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups., AFB1-MRN15 was orally given morin at a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight, and AFB1-MRN30 orally received morin at 30 mg/kg body weight. The results indicated a significant decrease in serum AST, ALP, LDH, GGT, CK, CK-MB, 8-OHdG, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-a levels in MRN30 compared to AFB1, and AFB1-MRN15 groups. However, the results indicated non-significant differences in the serum levels between MRN30, control, and AFB1-MRN30 groups. Meanwhile, regarding the hepatic and cardiac parameters, there were significant differences in the levels of MDA, NO, GSH, GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT in MRN30 compared to AFB1, and AFB1-MRN15 groups, overall implying the protective effects of morin. To conclude, morin at a dose of 30 mg/kg b. wt. showed significant enhancements in acute AFB1-induced hepatic and cardiac toxicity in rats, which could play a role in limiting the public health hazards of AFs.