31 January 2024 | Min Kim, Seung-Cheol Jee and Jung-Suk Sung
The article reviews the hepatoprotective effects of flavonoids against benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)-induced oxidative liver damage. B[a]P, a highly carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, undergoes hepatic metabolic transformations that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress and liver damage. Flavonoids, natural compounds abundant in plants, are known for their antioxidant properties and have been studied for their potential to mitigate B[a]P-induced toxicity. The review highlights the mechanisms by which flavonoids can reduce intracellular ROS levels, including radical scavenging and regulation of antioxidant enzymes through the NRF2 pathway. Additionally, flavonoids can modulate the xenobiotic metabolism of B[a]P, enhancing the expression of phase I, II, and III enzymes involved in detoxification. The article also discusses the protective effects of specific flavonoids, such as quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, and isoflavones, against B[a]P-induced liver diseases, including cancer and fatty liver. Overall, the review underscores the potential of flavonoids as natural hepatoprotective agents against B[a]P-induced liver damage.The article reviews the hepatoprotective effects of flavonoids against benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)-induced oxidative liver damage. B[a]P, a highly carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, undergoes hepatic metabolic transformations that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress and liver damage. Flavonoids, natural compounds abundant in plants, are known for their antioxidant properties and have been studied for their potential to mitigate B[a]P-induced toxicity. The review highlights the mechanisms by which flavonoids can reduce intracellular ROS levels, including radical scavenging and regulation of antioxidant enzymes through the NRF2 pathway. Additionally, flavonoids can modulate the xenobiotic metabolism of B[a]P, enhancing the expression of phase I, II, and III enzymes involved in detoxification. The article also discusses the protective effects of specific flavonoids, such as quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, and isoflavones, against B[a]P-induced liver diseases, including cancer and fatty liver. Overall, the review underscores the potential of flavonoids as natural hepatoprotective agents against B[a]P-induced liver damage.