Protocatechuic acid decreased telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression in DMBA-induced liver carcinogenesis mice model

Background: The protocatechuic acid (PCA) is a natural polyphenolic antioxidant commonly distributed in plants and is considered as one of the main ingredients of some traditional herbal medicine. PCA has many pharmacological effects that may be closely linked to its antioxidant activity. Herein, we newly conducted this animal experiment to evaluate the therapeutic potentials of PCA on the 7,12-Dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) -induced hepatocarcinogenesis in the mouse model. Additionally, the in vitro antioxidant activity of PCA was estimated. Material and methods: To induce the hepatocarcinogenesis, DMBA (35 mg/kg, once per week) was orally administered for 4 weeks in the tumor test groups. After six weeks, the administration of PCA (100 mg/kg/day) was started for 4 weeks. Mice were sacrificed after ten weeks for measuring and comparing the serum hepatic enzymes level, antioxidant markers and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene expression between the mice in DMBA with PCA (PCA group) and DMBA without PCA (non-PCA group). Also, the antioxidant activity of PCA was measured in vitro using two different antioxidant assays. Results: The elevation of all liver enzymes and other hepatic biomarkers observed in DMBA group were significantly suppressed in PCA-treated group. In addition, the TERT gene expression in liver tissue was significantly decreased in PCAtreated group. Our results also showed that the PCA exhibited a high antioxidant ability in vitro comparable to the positive control ascorbic acid. Conclusion: The protocatechuic acid decreased TERT expression and oxidative stress in DMBA-induced liver carcinogenesis mice model.