Chlorogenic Acid Alleviates Inflammation and Fibrosis in a Murine Model of Bleomycin-Induced Systemic Sclerosis: A Histological Analysis

Background/Objectives: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by cutaneous and visceral fibrosis, vascular alterations, and a persistent inflammatory response. Despite advances in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms underlying SSc, current therapeutic options remain limited. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a polyphenol widely distributed in plants and has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties. However, its therapeutic potential in SSc has not been investigated yet. Methods: A model of SSc was established by administering bleomycin (BLM) at 100 U/kg to CD1 mice via an osmotic minipump. After fourteen days of BLM administration, CGA (60 mg/kg) was intragastric administered on consecutive days until day 20. On day 21, all mice were sacrificed. The effect of CGA was histologically evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. Results: CGA treatment significantly attenuated dermal fibrosis in the BLM-induced mice model of SSc by reducing histopathological damage, including increased dermal thickness, inflammation, collagen deposition, and SSc-associated pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusions: The evidence shows that CGA attenuates BLM-induced SSc in a mice model and strongly suggests that CGA may be a promising compound for the treatment of SSc.