Oral Administration of Curcumin and Gallic Acid Alleviates Pentachlorophenol-induced Oxidative Damage in Rat Intestine

Introduction: Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is used as pesticide and wood preservative. We have previously shown that PCP causes oxidative damage in rat intestine.

Aim: This study aimed to delineate the possible therapeutic potential of curcumin (CUR) and gallic acid (GA) against PCP-induced damage in rat intestine.

Methods: PCP alone group received 125 mg PCP/kg body weight/day orally for 4 days. Animals in combination groups received CUR or GA (100 mg/kg bw) for 18 days and PCP (125 mg/kg bw) for the last four days. Rats were sacrificed and intestinal preparations were analyzed for various parameters.

Results: Administration of PCP alone altered the activities of metabolic, antioxidant and brush border membrane enzymes. It also increased DNA-protein crosslinking and DNA-strand scission. Animals in combinations groups showed significant amelioration against PCP-induced oxidative damage. Histological abrasions were seen in PCP alone group which were reduced in the intestines of combination groups. CUR was more effective protectant than GA.

Conclusions: CUR and GA protected rat intestine from PCP-mediated changes in the activities of metabolic, antioxidant and brush border membrane enzymes. They also prevented DNA damage and histological abrasions. The antioxidant character of CUR and GA may be responsible for the diminution of PCP-mediated oxidative damage.