Protective and therapeutic effect of quercetin in hepatotoxicity induced by sepsis in rats

Septicemia caused by Gram-negative bacteria is an infection associated with liver dysfunction. Quercetin is a natural flavonoid found in vegetables and fruits and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytoprotective and antiallergic properties. This research aims to investigate the effects of quercetin on the liver against tissue damage due to sepsis-induced oxidative stress. Thirty-two male rats were used in the study. The animals were randomly divided into 5 groups. Quercetin was dissolved in 20 mg/kg of olive oil daily for 15 days and given through oral gavage. The cecal-ligation sepsis model was applied to the group 3 and group 4. In histopathological evaluation; inflammation involving moderate neutrophils and lymphocytes was observed in most portal areas in the group where sepsis was created (Group 3). In the sepsis group administered quercetin (Group 4) only a few portal areas had a milder inflammation with fewer neutrophils than the sepsis group. There was a significant difference between group 3, 4, and all other groups in ALT and AST values. A significant difference was observed between group 3, 4 and other groups in terms of tissue MDA, GSH levels. It was concluded that quercetin, a powerful antioxidant, can reduce liver damage caused by sepsis and has the potential to be used to help treat sepsis.