Quercetin, a polyphenolic phytochemical prevents sodium azide-induced extra-hepatic oxidative stress in rats

Abstract

This study investigated the protective effects of quercetin (QUER) in sodium azide (SAZ)-induced extra-hepatic (brain, lung, heart) oxidative stress in rats. SAZ administration significantly decreased and increased brain and lung GSH levels respectively, but was restored to levels comparable to normal control by QUER, while no significant difference was seen in heart GSH level. Brain and heart GST activities, as well as lung CAT activity were significantly reduced in SAZ-administered rats compared to normal control rats, but were significantly restored to normalcy by QUER treatment in heart only, while the significant increase in lung GST activity, as well as brain and heart CAT activities in SAZ-administered rats compared to control, were significantly attenuated by QUER treatment. A significant decrease in the brain, lung, and heart SOD activities, as well as brain and lung GPx activities in SAZ group compared to control, was recorded, but treatment with QUER significantly raised the activities of the enzymes back to normal. We therefore concluded from the findings of this study that quercetin could be a good candidate for the chemoprevention of SAZ-induced extra-hepatic oxidative stress.

Keywords:

• sodium azide
• quercetin
• polyphenol
• oxidative stress
• extra-hepatic

Public Interest Statement

Sodium azide is a colorless, inorganic compound commonly used in our environment. It is a gas forming component in car airbag systems, an explosive, and used in organic synthesis to form azide functional group. In the field of biochemistry and biomedicine, it serves as preservative and a useful probe reagent. In hospitals, it serves as a biocide, while in agriculture, it can be used to control pest. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the possible treatment of sodium azide-induced extra-hepatic oxidative stress by quercetin (a polyphenolic compound present in fruits and spices) in rats, which will further encourage the use of natural products than chemically synthesized drugs in the treatment and management of diseases.

Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing interest.

Additional information

Funding

Funding. The authors received no direct funding for this research.

Notes on contributors

Oluwatobi T. Somade

Oluwatobi T. Somade is a biochemist, university lecturer, and researcher (Environmental Toxicology and Oncology). Current research focus is on toxicity assessments of household materials, consumables, and environmental/industrial materials.