Effect of aronia melanocarpa fruit juice on indices of inflammation and fibrosis in a rat model of amiodarone-induced pneumotoxicity

Abstract

The effect of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice (AMFJ) on indices of inflammation and fibrosis was studied in a model of amiodarone (AD)-induced pneumotoxicity in rats. AD was instilled intratracheally on days 0 and 2 (6,25 mg/kg as a 3,125 mg/mL water solution). AMFJ (10 mL/kg) was given orally to rats either from day 1 to day 10, or from day 11 to day 27. Thus, the animal groups were: control, AD, AD+AMFJ (day 1-10), and AD+AMFJ (day 11-27). The rats were sacrificed on day 28. The levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were measured in rat serum as markers of inflammation, and hydroxyproline (HP) level was determined in lung tissue as a marker of fibrosis. AD caused a tendency to elevate IL-6 and decrease IL-10. AMFJ counteracted these effects of AD. In rats from group AD+AMFJ (day 1-10), IL-6 level was significantly lower (p<0,05) than that of AD group, lower (p<0,05) even than the control value. AD significantly increased (p<0,05) HP content in lung homogenate. AMFJ antagonized that effect, and in AMFJ-treated rats HP levels did not differ significantly from the control value. Any AMFJ effects were more prominent in rats that were treated with the juice during the first 10 days after AD instillation. In conclusion, AMFJ reduced the signs of inflammation and could have a protective effect against AD-induced pulmonary fibrosis, especially if administered in the early phase after AD instillation. Scripta Scientifica Medica 2012; 44(2): 37-40.