The protective role of protocatechuic acid (PCA) and alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) combination on aluminum- induced liver toxicity in rats

Aluminum (Al) is the most extensively dispersed metal in the environment, which can be transmitted to animals and humans through food and water consumption. Prolonged exposure to Al damages the liver and is thought to be the primary cause of many liver disorders. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) and Vitamin E (Vit E) are polyphenol structured substances with well-known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, metal chelating properties. The aim of this study is to prevent liver disease and oxidative stress caused by Al by combining PCA and vitamin E antioxidants. SOD, CAT, and GST enzymes were measured as oxidative stress markers. Total GSH levels and malondialdehyde levels, which is a marker of lipid peroxidation were determined. To detect DNA damage, a single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay was performed. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a marker of hepatocyte proliferation, BRCA1 to evaluate DNA repair and 8- OHdG as a DNA oxidation marker, were measured using immunohistochemistry labeling. The findings of this study revealed that all applications of PCA and Vit E, either separately or in combination, were significantly effective in reducing Al-induced liver damages. Combined antioxidant therapy, which represents the core of the present study, has been shown to have a significant regulatory effect. The findings of the study will make an important contribution to the literature for the development of new therapeutic designs based on PCA and Vit E combination and pave the way for future studies that will highlight how the combined applications of these two molecules work at the molecular level. Keywords: Aluminum, Protocatechuic acid, Vitamin E, Oxidative stress.