Involvement of NADPH oxidase in high-dose phenolic acid-induced pro-oxidant activity on rat mesenteric venules

In the present study, we investigated the potential role of phenolic acids in initiating oxidative damage to microvascular endothelial cells and the underlying mechanism mediating the pro-oxidant action. Male Wistar rats received high doses of phenolic acid [caffeic acid (CA), salvianolic acid B (SAB), chlorogenic acid (ChA) or ferulic acid (FA)]. The creation of reactive oxygen species in mesenteric microcirculation endothelial cells and adherent leukocytes along with venules were assessed using intravital microscopy. The expression levels of NADPH oxidase subunits (Nox4 and p22(phox)) in terminal ileum tissues were determined by western blot analysis. Intravenous injection of high-dose ChA or CA (7 mg/kg) markedly increased the peroxide production in the venular walls and upregulated the protein expression levels of Nox4 and p22(phox) in the ileum tissues, while the same dose of CA and SAB made no difference within the observation period. No changes were observed in the number of leukocytes adhering to the venular walls. High-dose ChA and FA led to an imbalance between the oxidant and antioxidant mechanism by boosting the expression levels of NADPH oxidase. Thus, we clarified the rationale behind the adverse effects of a herbal injection containing high levels of phenolic acid compounds.