STUDIES ON COBALT CHLORIDE-INDUCED HYPOXIC LUNG INJURY AND ITS POSSIBLE MITIGATION BY FERULIC ACID IN WISTAR RATS

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Abstract No: UTRNT3/2025/P/AB081
STUDIES ON COBALT CHLORIDE-INDUCED HYPOXIC LUNG INJURY AND ITS
POSSIBLE MITIGATION BY FERULIC ACID IN WISTAR RATS
S. Beulaja1*, R. Sangeetha2, M. Livya Catherene2, M. Jayasuriya2 and R. Manikandan2
1 Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Vels Institute of Science,
Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai - 600117.
2 Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy campus, Chennai - 600025.
Corresponding address: *Dr. S. Beulaja, Assistant Professor, School of Life Sciences, Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai- 600117
ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the protective effects of ferulic acid against cobalt chloride-induced lung injury in Wistar rats. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that ferulic acid co-treatment markedly reduced tissue damage compared with cobalt chloride-treated animals. Broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis revealed a more than two-fold increase in total cell count in cobalt chloride–exposed rats, which was significantly reduced by ferulic acid at both tested doses. Lipid peroxidation assays indicated membrane damage due to oxidative stress in cobalt chloride-treated lungs, while antioxidant enzyme activities- including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) were significantly elevated in ferulic acid co-treated groups. Gene expression studies showed downregulation of hypoxic (EPO) and pro-inflammatory (iNOS, MIP-1α) markers following ferulic acid administration, indicating attenuation of oxidative and inflammatory responses. These findings, supported by existing literature, suggest that ferulic acid exerts notable antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting its therapeutic potential against cobalt chloride–induced lung injury. Further molecular studies are warranted to confirm these protective mechanisms.
Keywords: Ferulic acid, cobalt chloride, lung injury, antioxidants, phytocompound