Heavy metal-induced hepatotoxicity and therapeutic activity of essential vitamins in preclinical studies - A review

Heavy metals (HMs) have extensive distribution in the environment due to their diverse applications. However, the exposure to HMs remains one of the major causes of hepatotoxicity which could lead to organ failure thereby constituting a major public health concern globally. The toxic effect of HMs on hepatic tissue, which is characterized with the induction of oxidative stress, activation of inflammatory and apoptotic signaling, adverse interaction with hepatic tissue enzymes and antioxidants as well as hepatic histopathological changes, culminates into HMs-induced hepatotoxicity (HMH). Experimental studies have been conducted to explore the therapeutic potential of essential vitamins such as riboflavin, ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol against HMH. They exhibit hepatoprotective effect against HMs exposure essentially by reversal of the aforementioned deleterious effects associated with the exposure. The modulatory activity of these essential vitamins on the associated mechanisms and downstream pathways of HMH thereby highlighted their prophylactic or ameliorative effect against HMH and underscored their role as potent therapeutic agents.