Biochemical study on the role of sodium butyrate in protection against oxidative stress induced by paraquat

Paraquat (PQ) is used as herbicide. The present study was designed to investigate the potential protective effects of sodium butyrate (SB) against the toxic effects induced by PQ. The experiment was carried out on 50 male albino rats divided into five groups. Some parameters were assessed. The results revealed that PQ induces significant increase in malondialdehyde levels, serum 8-OHdG and nuclear histone deacetylase (HDACs) activity. Cytoplasmic GSH concentration and catalse activity were decreased in a significant way. Serum and tissue TAC remained unchanged. SB administration in both co-treated and post-treated rats reversed the oxidative damage induced by PQ as documented by the significant decrease in serum, tissue malondialdehyde and serum 8-OHdG. Nuclear GSH, HDACs and CAT activity were elevated in co-treated and post-treated groups. In conclusion, sodium butyrate is able to rescue the redox machinery and control the intracellular ROS balance thus switching off oxidative damage induced by PQ.