The effect of p-coumaric acid and ellagic acid on the liver and lungs in a rat model of sepsis

Background: Sepsis pathophysiology includes oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. Objectives: To investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of p-coumaric acid (PC) and ellagic acid (EA) in a rat model of sepsis. Methods: Wistar rats were assigned to 5 groups: control (C), sepsis (S), and S with treatment by PC, EA, or PC and EA combined (PCE). We determined the liver and lung tissue levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and antioxidant markers. Results: In the model of sepsis, proinflammatory cytokine levels increased, anti-inflammatory cytokines decreased, oxidative stress markers increased, and activity of antioxidant enzymes decreased significantly. In the liver of rats treated with PC, EA, or PCE, TNF-? levels were reduced significantly, whereas IL-1? and IL-6 levels were reduced significantly in rats treated with EA or PCE. Despite an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines in the liver and lungs in all the treatment groups compared with S, an increase in IL-10 was only found in the liver of rats treated with PCE. The levels of malondialdehyde decreased significantly in the liver and lungs in rats in all treatment groups. The catalase and superoxide dismutase activity increased significantly in rats treated with PCE. While glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver only increased significantly in rats treated with PCE, it increased in the lungs of rats in all treatment groups. Conclusions: PC and EA treatment had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which were stronger when these treatments were combined. Combined treatment with these substances may be beneficial in the treatment of sepsis. Keywords: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, polyphenol, hydroxycinnamic acid, sepsis