ABSTRACT 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), an environmental pollutant, is one of the most dangerous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Echinochrome (Ech) is considered one of the most popular and important substances that is found in shells, spines, and eggs of sea urchins that possesses high antioxidant activity. The present study was carried out to evaluate the curative and protective effects of echinochrome pigment and demonstrate its mechanism against DMBA-induced liver toxicity. Docking calculations were performed on CYP1B1, CYP1A1 and mEH protein model. Experimental rats were assigned into two main groups: protective group (treated with echinochrome for 14 days and then administrated DMBA) and curative group (administrated DMBA and then treated with echinochrome for 14 days). Each group is divided into 3 sub-groups: control, DMBA (15 mg/kg body, weight orally), and DMBA/echinochrome (1 mg/kg body, weight orally) groups. According to docking results, the binding of echinochrome A to CYP1A1 domain is higher than the binding of DMBA to CYP1A1 domain. Administration of echinochrome decreased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and malondialdehyde levels and increased glutathione reduced and catalase levels in both protective and curative groups. Histology of hepatic tissues improved after the treatment with echinochrome. The results of this study demonstrated the potential protective and curative activities of echinochrome against DMBA toxicity. Echinochrome inhibits the activities of CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and mEH enzymes preventing DMBA bioactivation and restored the balance between reactive oxygen species formation and internal antioxidant enzymes by its powerful antioxidant activity.
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