Caffeic Acid Attenuates Acrylamide Induced Biochemical, Hematological and Histological Alterations in Rats

In a sub-chronic study involving 18 adult Wistar rats, the effects of acrylamide toxicity were investigated, along with the potential protective effects of caffeic acid. The rats were divided into three groups: one receiving normal saline, one exposed to acrylamide (19.13 mg/kg), and one exposed to acrylamide plus caffeic acid therapy (20 mg/kg). Acrylamide exposure led to symptoms such as weight loss, hind limb splaying, hair loss, skin irritation, and significant changes in hematological parameters, as well as increased levels of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, GGT, urea, uric acid, and triglycerides. Additionally, acrylamide reduced acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain and caused DNA damage in the liver, kidney, and brain, as shown by the COMET assay. Histological observations supported these biochemical findings. Treatment with caffeic acid helped to restore the affected tissue and serological indices towards normal levels.