Protocatechuic acid protects against menadione-induced liver damage by up-regulating nuclear erythroid-related factor 2

AbstractMenadione (Vitamin K3) is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug used in the treatment of abdominal cramps, colitis, diarrhea, hay fever, hemorrahage, hypoprothrombinemia, and joint pains. In this study, we evaluated the protective influence of protocatechuic acid on menadione-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats were randomized into five groups (A–E) of five rats each. Control rats orally received 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in distilled water (the vehicle for protocatechuic administration) for 7 days. In addition, control rats intraperioneally received olive oil (vehicle for menadione administration) on the 7th day. Groups B, D, and E received single dose of 100 mg/kg body weight menadione on day 7. Furthermore, groups C–E were pretreated with protocatechuic acid for 7 days. Pretreatment of rats with protocatechuic acid significantly halted menadione mediated-alterations in serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, albumin, and total bilirubin. Furthermore, menadione-mediated...