Protocatechuic Acid Counteracts Oxidative Stress And Inflammation In Carrageenan- Induced Paw Edema in Mice
Abstract PCA (protocatechuic acid), a phenolic compound found in teas, fruits and vegetables, is widely recognized with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Here we verified the protective role of PCA on carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. PCA (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) administration was applied for five consecutive days prior to the carrageenan injection. Diclofenac sodium (20 mg/kg) was used as a reference drug. PCA pretreatment notably decreased the volume of the developed edema and alleviated the histopathological alterations induced by carrageenan. Additionally, PCA administration enhanced the cellular antioxidant capacity as demonstrated by the increased levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione, in addition to the decreased malondialdehyde level in the edematous tissue. Interestingly, PCA administration was able to suppress the developed inflammatory response upon carrageenan injection as indicated by the decreased levels and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interlukin-1 beta, interlukin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase-II, prostaglandin E2, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, myeloperoxidase and nuclear factor kappa B. These results collectively confirm the protective effect of PCA against carrageenan-induced paw edema owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics.