Protective Effects of Quercetin against Bisphenol A-Induced Alterations in Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines (IL-22, IL-6, and TNF-β) in Wistar Rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental contaminant and endocrine-disrupting chemical widely used in the production of plastics and resins. Its persistence in soil and water ecosystems has raised serious concerns about ecological balance, as BPA bioaccumulates in plants and animals, leading to harmful effects across the food chain. In wildlife and mammals, BPA exposure is associated with endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, hematological alterations, and immune dysregulation. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been proposed as a protective agent against such toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of Quercetin on BPA-induced changes in blood parameters and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-22 (IL-22), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-bata (TNF-β), in Wistar rats. Forty male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, BPA-treated, Quercetin-treated, and BPA + Quercetin-treated. Hematological indices and cytokine levels were assessed in serum samples. Results revealed that BPA exposure significantly increased IL-22, IL-6, and TNF- β concentrations and caused notable hematological disruptions compared to the control group. Conversely, co-treatment with Quercetin markedly attenuated these alterations, demonstrating its protective efficacy. These findings emphasize BPA’s dual impact as an environmental hazard and a health risk to animals, while highlighting Quercetin as a promising strategy to mitigate BPA-induced hematotoxicity and inflammation.