Comparative whole genome transcriptome analysis and fenugreek leaf extract modulation on cadmium-induced toxicity in liver cells

Cadmium (Cd), an economically valuable metal, is widely used in various industrial processes. Although it is of economic value, it is hazardous to human health. Cd accumulates in vital organs where it causes various diseases. Natural compounds with chelating or antioxidant properties have been tested to reduce the toxic effect of Cd. The anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic and hypocholesterolemic properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) leaves make it a candidate for investigation as protective agent against Cd-induced toxicity. In the present study, the protective effects of fenugreek leaf extract (FLE) on cell viability, morphology, and whole genomic transcription in cadmium chloride (CdCl(2))-treated rat liver cells were analyzed. The cells were treated with 25 µM CdCl(2) alone, or co-treated with 5 µg/ml FLE for 48 h. The co-treated cells were pretreated with FLE for 2 or 4 h, followed by CdCl(2) treatment. Genomic transcription analysis was performed in the CdCl(2)-treated cells following treatment for 6 h. The CdCl(2) caused a significant decrease in viability (35.8±4.1%) and morphological distortion of the cells, compared with the untreated control cells; whereas 4 h pretreatment with FLE (5 µg/ml) reversed the Cd-induced morphology alteration and increased the cell viability to 102±3.8%. Genomic transcription analysis of the CdCl(2) only-treated cells showed 61 upregulated and 124 downregulated genes, compared with 180 upregulated and 162 downregulated genes in the FLE pretreated cells. Furthermore, 37 and 26% of the affected total genomic genes in the CdCl(2) only-treated cells were involved in binding and catalytic activities, respectively, whereas 50 and 20% of the genes in the FLE pretreated cells were involved in binding and catalytic activities, respectively. In conclusion, these results suggested that genome transcriptome modulation may be important in the protective effect of FLE against Cd-induced toxicity in normal rat liver cells.