The preventive effects of Zataria multiflora and carvacrol and their co-administration with pioglitazolne on systemic inflammation and oxidative stress induced by paraquat inhalation in rats.

Objective: The present study aimed to assess the impact of the aqueous-ethanolic extract of Zataria multiflora (ZM), carvacrol (Car), and their co-administration with a PPAR activator, pioglitazone (Pio), on oxidative stress and inflammation induced by paraquat (PQ) inhalation at a systemic level.

Materials and methods: The rats in the control group were exposed to saline and those of other groups to PQ (54 mg/m³) aerosols for 8 times on alternate days. Nine PQ groups were treated with saline, Car (20 and 80 mg/kg/day), ZM (200 and 800 mg/kg/day), Pio (5 mg/kg/day), dexamethasone (Dexa, 0.03 mg/kg/day), and low-dose ZM or Car + Pio for 16 days during the period of PQ exposure (n=6).

Results: Differential and total WBC counts, and malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin (IL)-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were enhanced but catalase (CAT), thiol, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were reduced in the blood in the PQ group (p<0.01 to p<0.001). All measured variables improved in groups treated with both doses of ZM, Car, Pio, ZM + Pio, Car+Pio, and Dexa vs the PQ group (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Most variables were more improved in combined treatment groups in comparison with three agents alone. The combination of ZM or Car, and Pio showed an impact on PQ inhalation-induced systemic changes.

Conclusion: The synergistic effect between Pio with ZM or Car indicates that these substances work together to enhance their individual effects.