Protective effects of quercetin and chrysin against 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induced oxidative stress, body wasting and altered cytokine productions in rats.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the quercetin (Q) and chrysin (CH) on oxidative stress, cytokines levels and body weights in rats induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Rats were divided randomly into six equal groups. TCDD, Q and CH were administered by gavages dissolved in corn oil at the doses of 2 µg/kg/week, 20 mg/kg/day and 50 mg/kg/day, respectively. The blood samples were taken from all rats at 60th days to be analyzed for the determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). The results indicated that although TCDD increased significantly TBARS and TNF-α levels, it caused a decline in the levels of IFN-γ and body weight. In contrast, these effects of TCDD on TBARS, TNF-α, IFN-γ levels and body weight were significantly prevented by treatments of Q and CH. In conclusion, it was determined that TCDD caused the adverse effects on immune functions, body weight and oxidative stress in rats. However, Q and CH administered with TCDD eliminated these adverse effects. These results suggest that Q and CH may play a protective role against TCDD toxicity.