Catechin (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) supplement restores the oxidation: antioxidation balance through enhancing the total antioxidant capacity in Wistar rats with cadmium-induced oxidative stress.

Catechins are bioactive flavanols commonly found in the fruits and leaves of plants, particularly the fresh tea leaves. This experimental study aims to evaluate the antioxidant properties of epigallocatechin-3-gallate, one of the most prominent catechins, and its ability to mitigate cadmium-induced oxidative stress. Eighty rats were randomly assigned to four groups of 20: an untreated control group (group 1), a catechin-treated group (group 2), a cadmium-exposed group (group 3), and a cadmium-catechin group (group 4). Group 2 rats received daily oral doses of catechin at 300 mg/kg body weight, while Group 3 rats were given an aqueous solution of cadmium chloride at a final concentration of 5 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) per day. Group 4 rats were treated with both catechin and cadmium chloride. The rats in Group 4 exhibited increased levels of total proteins and significant increases in antioxidant markers, including total thiols, glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. Additionally, this group demonstrated significant decreases in blood cadmium levels and in the following enzymes: alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. They also demonstrated significant decreases in creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urea, and bilirubin, as well as in oxidation markers (H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde), compared to the cadmium group (Group 3). Tissue homogenates from the livers and kidneys of Group 4 rats revealed similar results to those of the serum biochemical assay. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that catechin's (ECGC) antioxidant properties significantly mitigate cadmium-induced oxidative stress.