Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of a novel phenolic hepatoprotective agent following single and multiple oral administration to healthy and liver-injured rats

Abstract

Abstract Antioxidants play a crucial role in the treatment of liver pathologies, given that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of many hepatic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of the antioxidant 2,6-diisobornyl-4-methylphenol (IBP) in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury. The introduction of IBP resulted in a 1.4- to 2-fold decrease in serum hepatic enzyme levels, a 25% and 18% rise in glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase concentrations, respectively, and a 14% reduction in hepatic catalase activity compared with the negative control. Treated animals exhibited a 45% reduction in malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress) and an 18% decrease in interleukin-6 levels relative to controls. The compound mitigated CCl4-induced liver damage and promoted restoration of liver function. Liver pathology affected the plasma exposure of IBP after a single administration, but pharmacokinetics normalized following repeated dosing. Bioavailability was 60% after a single dose and increased to 119% after multiple administrations. IBP demonstrated significant hepatoprotective effects in CCl4-induced liver injury, mitigating lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and necrosis. The initial reduction in systemic exposure following a single dose in pathological conditions may be attributed to impaired absorption and elevated metabolic consumption due to oxidative stress.