Chlorogenic acid as a protector against iron overload-induced hepatotoxicity: the importance of iron chelation and free radical scavenging

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is the active constituent of green coffee beans. It has gained attention as a medicinal supplement due to its antioxidant and chelating effects on heavy metals. Considering the importance of hepatic iron toxicity in disorders such as hemochromatosis and thalassemia, this study investigated the therapeutic effects of CGA on hepatic toxicity caused by iron overload. After determining the antioxidant and chelating potential of CGA, 24 male mice were randomly divided into four groups. The first group received normal saline, the second group received iron dextran (100 mg/kg, once every other day), and the third group received CGA (50 mg/kg/day). The fourth group received iron dextran along with daily CGA administration. After 14 days, the animals were anesthetized and blood and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological analyses. In the present study, a significant increase was observed in the levels of hepatic serum enzymes, including ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH. Additionally, there was a significant increase in hepatic iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, along with a significant decrease in hepatic antioxidant capacity and thiol content. Administration of CGA to iron-dextran-receiving animals significantly prevented hepatic iron accumulation, inhibited the elevation of hepatic serum enzymes ALT, AST and ALP, reduced lipid peroxidation, and improved the antioxidant capacity of liver tissue. In addition, our biochemical findings were associated well to the histopathological observations. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that CGA could prevent hepatic oxidative damage resulting from iron overload by improving the balance of oxidation/antioxidation.