Protective Effects of Ficus Glomerata Extract against Benzo(a)pyrene-induced Gene Expression Alterations and Dna Damage in Male Mice

Ficus glomerata Roxb (Branches) is a rich source of phenolic compounds known to possess potential antioxidant activity offering numerous health benefits. The present study evaluated the protective effects of methanol extract of Ficus glomerata at two doses (FG250; 250 mg kg -1 and FG500; 500 mg kg -1 ) against benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) induced gene expression changes and DNA damage in male mice. Fifty adult albino male mice allocated in five groups were used in this study. Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) administration resulted in significant increase (P ≤ 0.01) in the gene expression of liver cancer-related genes (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2B6, CD59, hTRET and P53) in hepatic tissues of male mice. In addition, (BaP) increased the rate of DNA damage in mice blood cells. Extract pretreatment restored genetic alteration parameters toward normalization. FR250 and FR500 decreased the gene expression alterations and rate of DNA damage induced by BaP in male mice. Extract pretreatment, 500 mg kg -1 , was more effective in reducing the genetic toxicity than the extract, 250 mg kg -1 . BaP exposure resulted in pronounced oxidative stress, and administration of Ficus glomerata extract offers significant liver and blood cells protection by inhibiting the changes of gene expression and damage of the DNA through scavenging free radicals.