Lithium-induced lung toxicity in rats: the effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE)

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on lithium (Li)-induced lung toxicity. Twenty-two adult male Wistar albino rats weighing between 280 and 300 g were used. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, Li and Li+CAPE groups. Li and CAPE were co-administered intraperitoneally twice daily for 4 weeks. Control rats were given 0.9% NaCl during the same period. All the rats were allowed to feed ad libitum until midnight after they had received the proposed treatment. In the Li group, peribronchial and intraparenchymal lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration were observed. Atypical type II pneumocytes, alveolar destruction and emphysematous changes were also detected. Lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration was significantly decreased in the Li+CAPE group compared with the Li group. Alveolar destruction, emphysematous changes and intraparenchymal mononuclear cell infiltration were also recovered to a level close to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased in the Li group compared with the control group. CAPE administration decreased the MDA levels in the Li+CAPE group. CAPE was found to associate with histopathological changes recovery in the lungs and oxidative stress due to Li treatment.