Effect of Phoenix dactylifera L. Sap Against Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress in Rats: Phytochemical and Therapeutic Assessment

Lung fibrosis is a lethal interstitial disease characterized by massive proliferation of fibroblast inducing excessive collagen deposition. We aimed to investigate whether Date palm sap (DPS) can play a protective effect on bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis in rats. MaleWistar rats were given single dose of BLM (4 mg/kg, intra-tracheal), while DPS (45 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) was administered three days later and continued for three weeks (BLM/DPS group). Characterization of phenolic compounds in DPS was evaluated by LC-HRESIMS analysis. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's Trichome staining were used for the revelation of lung architecture, collagen deposition, and fibrosis score. Antioxidant effects of DPS and hydroxyproline content in lung tissues were studied using standard spectrophotometric methods. We reveled by liquid chromatography-high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-HRESIMS) an important amount of vitamins and phenolic compounds in DPS. BLM increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and decreased catalase (CAT) activity. BLM also induced inflammation and accumulation of bundles of collagen in lung. DPS treatment normalized MDA, SOD, and CAT levels, decreased hydroxyproline level and morphological lesions induced by BLM. In conclusion, DPS has a protective effect against BLM-induced murine lung fibrosis due to its richness in phenolic compounds and vitamins.