Protocatechuic acid through modulation of signaling pathways and oxidative stress exerts protective effects in rat model of carbon tetrachloride-induced renal and reproductive toxicities

• Published in: Comparative clinical pathology 2022-06, Vol.31 (3), p.465-474
• Main Authors: Adeyanju, Anne A., Molehin, Olorunfemi R., Asejeje, Folake O., Oyenuga, Vivian, Etokakpan, Rain U.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidants; Biochemical markers; Carbon tetrachloride; Cyclooxygenase-2; Enzymes; Hematology; Kidneys; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; NF-κB protein; Olive oil; Oncology; Original Article; Oxidative stress; Pathology; Protocatechuic acid; Signal transduction; Sperm; Testes; Toxicity
• ISSN: 1618-565X; 1618-5641; 1618-565X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00580-022-03345-1

Protocatechuic acid (PCA) exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities including antioxidative action and modulation of signaling pathways. This study examines modulatory effect of PCA against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced toxicities on the kidney and testes of rats. Rats were treated as follows: group 1 (olive oil), group 2 was given CCl 4 only intraperitoneally at 3 ml/kg in a suspension of olive oil, groups 3 and 4 were pretreated with PCA orally at 10 and 20 mg/kg respectively for 7 days before CCl 4 challenge. Biochemical investigations were carried out by assessing serum biochemical markers, testicular hormones levels and sperm parameters, oxidative stress markers, expression levels of NF-kB, COX2 and TNF, antioxidant enzymes activities, and histopathological changes. Data revealed that PCA reduced the elevated level of urea by CCl 4 ( P