Carnosic Acid, a Natural Diterpene, Attenuates Arsenic-Induced Hepatotoxicity via Reducing Oxidative Stress, MAPK Activation, and Apoptotic Cell Death Pathway

The present studies have been executed to explore the protective mechanism of carnosic acid (CA) against NaAsO(2)-induced hepatic injury. CA exhibited a concentration dependent (1–4 μM) increase in cell viability against NaAsO(2) (12 μM) in murine hepatocytes. NaAsO(2) treatment significantly enhanced the ROS-mediated oxidative stress in the hepatic cells both in in vitro and in vivo systems. Significant activation of MAPK, NF-κB, p53, and intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signaling was observed in NaAsO(2)-exposed hepatic cells. CA could significantly counteract with redox stress and ROS-mediated signaling and thereby attenuated NaAsO(2)-mediated hepatotoxicity. NaAsO(2) (10 mg/kg) treatment caused significant increment in the As bioaccumulation, cytosolic ATP level, DNA fragmentation, and oxidation in the liver of experimental mice (n = 6). The serum biochemical and haematological parameters were significantly altered in the NaAsO(2)-exposed mice (n = 6). Simultaneous treatment with CA (10 and 20 mg/kg) could significantly reinstate the NaAsO(2)-mediated toxicological effects in the liver. Molecular docking and dynamics predicted the possible interaction patterns and the stability of interactions between CA and signal proteins. ADME prediction anticipated the drug-likeness characteristics of CA. Hence, there would be an option to employ CA as a new therapeutic agent against As-mediated toxic manifestations in future.