Investigation of the effect of ellagic acid on the expression of some apoptotic proteins in lung injury-induced rats

Phytochemicals is considered as one of the most effective and safe alternative therapy against oxidative-linked lung diseases. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenolic component of fruits, nuts and vegetables, are partly responsible for their therapeutic health effects against oxidation-related diseases. In this study, we investigated the ameliorative effect of EA on lung damage induced by Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in Wistar albino rats. Thirty-six male rats (n=36, 8 weeks old) were divided into 4 groups, each with 9 rats. The groups were: Control Group: served as control received standard diet; EA Group and CCl4 Group were administered EA (10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), intraperitoneal (ip)) and CCl4 (1.5 ml/kg b.w. ip.), respectively; CCl4 + EA Group administered EA plus CCl4 as in the EA Group and the CCl4 Group. The rats were decapitated at the end of experimental period of 8 weeks and the lung tissue were examined. CCl4 induced rats showed elevation in the expressions of inflammatory proteins, Nuclear factor kappa b (NF-kB), Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α); and the indicator of lipid peroxidation, Malondialdehyde (MDA). Intraperitoneal administration of EA significantly reduced the levels of these markers. EA administration increased the protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and enhanced the activity of glutathione (GSH) and Catalase enzyme (CAT). In addition, EA administration increased the expression levels of caspase-3, and decreased B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). In conclusion, these results establishes the protective role of EA in the treatment of lung damage and that in the future this may have the potential to be used as a medication for the prevention or attenuation of lung diseases.