Protocatechuic acid attenuates 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide-induced spleen injury in Wistar rats
Emerging concerns exist with occupational/environmental exposure to 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD), an industrial by-product of daily-use plastic manufacturing process. This is because its biotransformation yields toxic metabolites injurious to essential body organs. This study aims to evaluate the protective potential of protocatechuic acid (PCA) against VCD-induced splenic injury. 35 adults male Wistar rats, randomly divided into 5 groups, were administered the following for 7 days: 2 mL corn oil (Group I), 100 mg/kg of VCD (Group II), 100 mg/kg of PCA (Group III), VCD + 50 mg/kg of PCA (Group IV), VCD + 100 mg/kg of PCA (Group V). Our results showed significantly elevated (p < 0.05) MDA, RONS, MPO, NO, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels and reduced GSH levels, SOD, CAT, and GST activities, as well as compromised structural integrity in spleen of rats exposed to VCD alone, indicative of its trigger of oxidative stress and inflammation. However, levels and activities of these biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators were significantly reversed (p < 0.05) in the spleen of VCD-exposed rats co-administered with graded doses of PCA. Our data also showed that PCA attenuated the VCD-induced distortion of the morphological pattern in the splenic tissues of exposed rats. Hence, PCA shows promise as a potential therapeutic or prophylactic agent for mitigating VCD-induced splenic injury associated with occupational/environmental exposure.