How does virgin coconut oil (VCO) mitigate the effects of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) on the stomach and intestine of rats?

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is an environmental toxicant that causes organ damage through oxidative stress and activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is known for its beneficial health effects due to its phenolic acids and flavonoid contents. This study explores the mechanisms by which VCO, alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5FU), mitigates TCA-induced gastric and intestinal damage in rats.

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) mitigates the effects of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) on the stomach and intestine of rats by suppressing lipid peroxidation, enhancing the antioxidant defense system, and inhibiting the TNF-α, IL-1β/NF-κB signaling pathway. The study found that VCO, either alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5FU), reversed the TCA-induced decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx, and Nrf2) and the increase in inflammatory markers (MDA, MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB). Histopathological examination also showed that VCO reduced TCA-induced damage to the gastric and intestinal tissues, including reducing parietal cell mass and inflammatory cell infiltration, and enhancing mucous and goblet cell density. The combination of VCO with 5FU provided additional protection against TCA-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.