Protective Effects of Cuscuta Sp. Against Cardiorenal Injury in Bile Duct-Ligated Rats

Abstract

Objective: Bile duct ligation (BDL) obstructs bile flow, resulting in bile and toxic substances buildup that causes liver damage. This study investigated the protective effects of Cuscuta sp. methanol extract (CUS) against cardiorenal injury in bile duct-ligated rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were categorised into four groups: Control (C), CUS, BDL, and BDL+CUS. The C and BDL groups received saline, whereas the other groups received oral 250 mg/kg CUS. After 28 days, blood, kidney, and heart tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological analyses. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), direct bilirubin (DB), and total bilirubin (TB) levels were analysed to determine liver function, while Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and hydroxyproline (HYP) levels were evaluated for fibrosis, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels alongside Na+/K+-ATPase activity were analysed to assess oxidative stress and membrane injury in the heart and renal tissues. Results: AST, ALT, DB, and TB levels were significantly elevated in the BDL group compared with the C group; however, the levels were distinctly lower in the BDL+CUS group than in the BDL group. Additionally, in both tissues, TGF-beta, HYP, and 8-OHdG levels were higher in the BDL group than in the C group, but decreased in the BDL+CUS group, with Na+/K+-ATPase activity being lower in BDL group compared with the C group and significantly increased in BDL+CUS group. Conclusion: CUS has protective effects against oxidative damage and offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits against cholestasis-induced tissue injury.