The potential therapeutic effect of quercetin on mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatorenal toxicity induced by aluminum chloride in an experimental rat model

Abstract

Abstract Aluminum is a xenobiotic element known to induce hepatorenal toxicity through mechanisms involving mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Quercetin, a dietary flavonoid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has shown promise as a therapeutic agent. This study aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of quercetin against aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)-induced hepatorenal toxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction in rats. Hepatorenal toxicity was induced by oral administration of hydrated aluminum chloride (75 mg/kg body weight) daily for six weeks. Quercetin was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight daily for four weeks. Biochemical assays, mitochondrial gene expression analysis, and histopathological examinations were conducted to assess the therapeutic effects. Quercetin significantly ameliorated lipid, protein, and DNA oxidation parameters (MDA, AOPPs and 8-OHdG respectively), reduced inflammation marker (TNF-α), and restored mitochondrial biogenesis markers, including PGC-1α, mtTFA and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN). In addition, Quercetin significantly decreased TNF-α and increased PGC-1α contents at protein levels. Histopathological findings corroborated these results, demonstrating that quercetin improved liver and kidney architecture. These findings suggest that quercetin may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for aluminum-induced hepatorenal toxicity.