The Protective Effect of Ellagic Acid on Lung Damage Caused by Experimental Obstructive Jaundice Model

Aim : This study aimed to investigate protective effects of ellagic acid on lungs in an experimental obstructive jaundice model. Methods : Four groups were established, each consisting of ten randomly selected rats : Group 1: sham, Group 2: ellagic acid, Group 3 : obstructive jaundice, and Group 4 : obstructive jaundice + ellagic acid. Ellagic acid was administered orally at a dose of 60 mg/kg/day to group 2 and 4. The animals were sacrificed eight days later. The total oxidative status and the total antioxidant capacity in their lung tissue were determined, and malondialdehyde levels in their blood were measured. Histopathological changes in the lungs were examined. Results : In the obstructive jaundice group treated with ellagic acid, there was a decrease in malondialdehyde levels and a reduction in the total oxidative status and the oxidative stress index, whereas the total antioxidant capacity increased (p < 0.001). The histopathological examination showed that neutrophil leukocyte infiltration and edema formation decreased and destruction of lung parenchyma disappeared following the treatment with the ellagic acid (p < 0.05). Conclusion : This study shows that ellagic acid has a protective effect against oxidative damage in lung tissue in obstructive jaundice.