protective effects of crocin on aging damage in liver and kidney tissues of mice

Aging is a gradual and irreversible pathophysiological process. this process appears with a decrease in tissue and cell function and a significant increase in the risk of related diseases. although with the advancement of medical science, human health has improved and life expectancy has increased, however, increasing age has become the most important cause of disability and death in the elderly (1). in this study, 24 mice were divided into three groups of eight including young control group (8 weeks old), old control group (12 months old) and group treated with crocin (12 months old). crocin was administered (100 mg/kg/ip) in the treatment group and normal saline in the young and old control groups for 21 days. serum levels of liver and kidney enzymes and markers of oxidative stress in liver and kidney tissue were evaluated using elisa method. also, the expression level of beta-galactosidase gene was evaluated by qrt-pcr method (2). the results showed that administration of crocin could significantly reduce the level of liver enzymes and serum creatinine in old rats compared to the old control group. the amount of catalase and total antioxidant capacity were increased significantly and malondialdehyde decreased significantly in the treatment group compared to the aged control group (p < 0.05). also, the lowest level of beta-galactosidase gene activity was obtained in the old control group. the findings showed that the administration of crocin might have a protective effect on the liver and kidneys in aging-related damage in mice due to its antioxidant properties.