Protective effects of Acacia raddiana gum against pulmonary toxicity induced by urethane: A preclinical study

Introduction: Acacia raddiana is a Saharan medicinal plant traditionally used to treat respiratory disorders. This study investigated the protective effects of A. raddiana gum against urethane-induced pulmonary alterations in rats. Methods: Twenty rats were divided into four groups: control, urethane, and urethane plus gum (1 g/kg or 2 g/kg). Urethane was administered at a dose of 0.375 g/kg over 14 weeks, with 3-week intervals between injections (i.p.). The gum was administered daily during the final four weeks of the study. Clinical, macroscopic, histopathological, and oxidative stress parameters were assessed. Results: Urethane caused epistaxis, palpable thoracic and cervical masses, lung tumors, bronchiolar epithelial hyperproliferation, mucin overproduction, and alveolar wall cellular hyperplasia. Urethane also increased catalase (272.7 ± 19.94; P < 0.01) and peroxidase (1.64 ± 0.02; P < 0.0001) activities in lung tissue compared with the control group (124.1 ± 27.28 and 0.12 ± 0.0, respectively). Treatment with A. raddiana gum (1 g/kg) attenuated lung damage, reducing tumor formation, epithelial hyperproliferation, alveolar hyperplasia, and mucin overproduction. It also significantly increased catalase and peroxidase activities compared to the urethane-treated rats (P < 0.05). At 2 g/kg, gum decreased catalase (120.4 ± 14.29; P < 0.01) and peroxidase (0.64 ± 0.02; P < 0.0001) activities compared to the urethane group. At this dose, dark-red lung coloration indicated potential toxicity. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that A. raddiana gum at 1 g/kg protects against urethane-induced pulmonary carcinogenesis in rats by preserving lung structure, reducing mucin overproduction, and modulating oxidative stress.