Therapeutic potential of quercetin against acrylamide induced toxicity in rats

Acrylamide (AA) is found in foods containing carbohydrates and proteins, where it is formed during the heating process. It is classified as neurotoxic and probably carcinogenic to humans. The present investigation was aimed to determine the lethal Dose (LD50) of AA and to evaluate the protective effects of quercetin (QE) against AA induced adverse effects in rats. For the determination of LD50, AA was administered orally at four different doses (46.4 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 215 mg/kg and 464 mg/kg) to experimental animals for seven days. After 7 days LD50 of AA was determined using graphical method of Miller and Tainter. Then AA was administered at 1/3rd dose of LD50 (38.27 mg kg−1 body weight; p.o. for 10 days) followed by the therapy of QE (5, 10, 20 and 40 mg kg−1 orally), for 3 consecutive days for the determination of protective effect of QE against AA. The estimated LD50 of AA was 114.81 mg/kg with 95% confidence interval. Exposure to AA 1/3rd dose of LD50 for 10 days induced neurotoxicity which was confirmed by decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. AA substantially increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), decreased the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) in liver, kidney and brain. It also increased the activities of serum transaminases, urea, uric acid, creatinine, lipid profile, bilirubin in serum. Treatment with QE restored tissue and serological indices concomitantly towards normal levels. These results revealed that QE is able to significantly alleviate the toxicity induced by AA in rats.