Work

Protocatechuic acid mitigates 5-fluorouracil-triggered renal and hepatic injury in rats

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: IntroductionNephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity are substantial side effects triggered in individuals injected with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), an anticancer drug. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phenolic compound; protocatechuic acid (PCA) on 5-FU-provoked renal and hepatic injury in rats.MethodsRats were allocated to 4 groups: control, 5-FU, 5-FU + PCA (50 mg/kg), and 5-FU + PCA (100 mg/kg). Rats were intraperitoneally injected 5-FU (75 mg/kg; once a week for 21 days. Protocatechuic acid (50 and 100 mg/kg/day; orally) was administered for 3 weeks.ResultsRats co-treated with PCA had lower serum kidney and liver function markers than those receiving 5-FU alone. Furthermore, co-treatment with PCA successfully modulated kidney and liver contents of TNF-α, NF-κB p65, active caspase-1, IL-1β, p-p38 MAPK, SOD, GSH, Nrf-2, HO-1 and MDA. Moreover, PCA improved histopathological alterations of both kidney and liver tissues.ConclusionPCA exerts its hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects against 5-FU-triggered toxicity through modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, particularly via Nrf-2 activation and NF-κB inhibition.

Source: Human & Experimental Toxicology

DOI: 10.1177/09603271251332914

Authors: Alhomedy M. Alharbi, Hoda E. Kafl, Rania R. Abdelaziz, Ghada M. Suddek

Institution: Mansoura University

Language: English

Topic: Chemotherapy-induced organ toxicity mitigation

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,800