Chrysin Rescinds Paraquat-Elicited Spleen Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Acute paraquat (PQ) overdose disrupts the spleen's biochemical profile, causing
oxidative stress and organ damage. Chrysin (CHR), a natural flavone with potent
antioxidant properties, was investigated for its protective effect against PQinduced
spleen toxicity in rats. Twenty-eight male rats were divided into four
groups (n = 7): control, PQ, CHR, and CHR+PQ. CHR and CHR+PQ groups
received oral CHR (100 mg/kg) for seven days, while the PQ and control groups
received olive oil (2 mL/kg b.wt. per day). The PQ and CHR+PQ groups received
a single PQ dose (35 mg/kg) on day seven. Twenty-four hours later, spleens were
collected. PQ exposure significantly declined reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and
activities of glutathione-related antioxidant enzymes [glutathione S-transferase
(GSH-ST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione reductase (GR)],
and other antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)].
Additionally, PQ elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels,
indicating oxidative stress. Conversely, chrysin pretreatment significantly (p <
0.05) attenuated paraquat-induced changes, restoring GSH levels and enzyme
activities and reducing MDA and NO to significant (p < 0.05) degrees. Chrysin
alone did not alter (p > 0.05) the levels of nitric oxide, GSH, GSH-ST, and MDA in
healthy rats. These findings reveal that CHR efficiently protects the spleen against
PQ-mediated oxidative stress and damage, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic
agent for managing paraquat poisoning.