Evaluation of the Protective Effect of n-Hexane Oil Extract of Black Soldier Fly Larvae on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Signaling Pathway Alterations in Acrylamide-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats.

Background: The liver, the body's central organ for metabolism and detoxification, is continually exposed to environmental and dietary toxins such as acrylamide (ACR). ACR is commonly found in roasted and fried foods. Strong scientific evidence indicates that ACR exposure causes serious liver injury. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are an environmentally friendly insect, and their extract is rich in valuable bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of the n-hexane extract of black soldier fly larvae against oxidative stress, inflammation, and histopathological changes associated with ACR-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats weighing 200 to 250 g were randomly assigned to five equal groups: control, ACR (20 mg/kg), BSFL (360 mg/kg), BSFL (180 mg/kg) + ACR, and BSFL (360 mg/kg) + ACR. At the end of treatment on the twenty-eighth day, the animals were euthanized, and samples were collected for assessment of liver enzymes, oxidative stress, inflammation, ER stress, apoptosis markers, histopathology, and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein expression. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: ACR administration significantly increased AST, ALT, ALP, MDA, and NO levels (P < 0.001), significantly decreased SOD, GSH, GPx, and CAT levels (P < 0.001), and significantly increased TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels (P < 0.001) compared with the control group. These ACR-induced biochemical and inflammatory abnormalities were confirmed by histopathological observations of liver tissue. Administration of BSFL extract, at the more potent dose of 360 mg/kg, significantly reversed these biochemical, inflammatory, and hepatic markers. BSFL extract was associated with changes in ER stress-related proteins, apoptosis markers, NF-κB, and MAPK family members, suggesting a potential role in GRP78-mediated ER stress signaling. Histological results showed that BSFL extract (360 mg/kg) reduced steatosis, cellular swelling, and lobular inflammation induced by ACR exposure. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that BSFL extract, a valuable bioactive substance with antioxidant properties, may attenuate alterations in biochemical indices and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation caused by ACR-induced hepatotoxicity.