Therapeutic effect of p- coumaric acid against sulfasalazine- induced pulmonary toxicity in adult male rats

Abstract

p- Coumaric acid (p- CA) is an pervasive plant metabolite with antioxidant, anti- inflammatory and anticancer possessions. The present study was designed to estimate the curative effect of p- CA on sulfasalazine stimulated pulmonary injury. Materials and Methods: 20 adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups; group (1): control group received 0.5ml carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC), group (2): rats were treated with p- CA (100 mg/ kg b.w.), group (3): animals were treated with sulfasalazine (600 mg/ kg b.w.), (4): rats were treated with sulfasalazine associated with p-CA. The injection of both substances was orally for 2 weeks. At the end of the treatment, the rats were sacrificed and lungs were taken out for biochemical, histological, histochemical and immnuohistochemical examinations. Results: Sulfasalazine caused pulmonary injury as judged by an increase in MDA tissue level and decrease in SOD and GSH levels. The thickness of alveolar epithelium and hemorrhage were observed. There was an increment in collagen fibers around bronchiole and in the lung interstitium. Moreover, positive alpha smooth muscle actin (α- SMA)- immunoreactivity detected within the cytoplasm of fibroblast cells. Administration of p- CA restorative these changes towards normal state. Conclusion: The handling with p- CA could serve as a potential protective agent with therapeutic capabilities against sulfasalazine induced- lung toxicity.