Potassium bromate cytotoxicity in the Wister rat model of chronic gastric ulcers: Possible reversal by protocatechuic acid

The interaction between ingested xenobiotics and the gastrointestinal epithelium influences the possibility of gut epithelial cytotoxicity and systemic toxicity. Potassium bromate (KBrO3) has been shown to perturb the central nervous system and it may be carcinogenic, albeit it is used as a food additive. This highlights the need to understand KBrO3’s effect on the stomach epithelium. Here, we report the cytotoxic potential of KBrO3 in an ulcerated stomach, as well as possible cytoprotection by the polyphenol ‒ protocatechuic acid. Potassium bromate (12.5 mg/kg) and protocatechuic acid (120 mg/kg) were administered orally while omeprazole (20 mg/kg) was used as standard. Potassium bromate exacerbated gastric ulcers, increased malonaldehyde levels, catalase, and sodium pump activities, but reduced nitric oxide levels. Potassium bromate further increased mast cell count in the muscularis mucosa, while inducing chronic inflammation and moderate angiogenesis in the gastric mucosa. Our results delineate KBrO3‐induced gastric epithelial cytotoxicity that is ameliorated by protocatechuic acid. Practical applications Potassium bromate is a known food additive in the baking, brewing, and cheese‐making process. Conversely, protocatechuic acid (3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid) is the polyphenolic content of plants like Hibiscus sabdariffa L that are commonly consumed as herbal drink, food, spices, and used in folk medicine. This study reports the cytoprotective effect of protocatechuic acid against gastric mucosa ulceration that has been aggravated by potassium bromate. Potassium bromate is a known food additive in the baking, brewing and cheese‐making process. Conversely, protocatechuic acid (3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid) is the polyphenolic content of plants like Hibiscus sabdariffa L that are commonly consumed as herbal drink, food, spices and used in folk medicine. This study reports the cytoprotective effect of protocatechuic acid against gastric mucosa ulceration that has been aggravated by potassium bromate.