Abstract

The incidence of liver toxicity is gradually receiving public health attention, as it is associated with environmental contamination with toxins and xenobiotics. The present study examined the effects of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) on indices of oxido-inflammatory pathways in the liver of Wistar rats following treatment with 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg for 7 days by oral gavage. Administration of VCD markedly decreased liver antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione levels, with corresponding increases in myeloperoxidase activity, nitric oxide levels, and malondialdehyde levels. ELISA analysis showed that VCD exposure increased the protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, in the livers of rats. Our data indicate that exposure to VCD induces liver injury via oxido-inflammatory signaling in rats, thereby confirming its hepatotoxic effect.