Syringic acid interference ameliorates HFD-induced oculo-inflammatory disorder via downregulation of NF-κB-TNFα-iNOS signaling pathway in male Wistar rats

High fat diets (HFD) have been associated with many pathological disorders including retinopathy which is an aftermath of retinal inflammation. These have led to vision impairment in victims. Syringic acid (SyA) is a naturally existing phenolic compound that exhibits clinical benefits attributed to its various therapeutic effects. These effects include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anticancer, and anti-cardiovascular properties. In the quest for tackling this occurrence, this study therefore investigated the effect of SyA treatments on HFD-induced oculo-inflammatory response in male Wistar rats. Twenty-five male rats were divided into five groups of five animals each. Animals in groups I (control) and II (50 mg/kg SyA) were served normal rat chow. On the other hand, groups III, IV, and V were served HFD, but only animals in groups IV and V were treated with 25 and 50 mg/kg SyA, respectively. Data obtained revealed a significant increase in the levels of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in rats served HFD. SyA intervention (50 mg/kg) reversed these outcomes. Gathered results showed the anti-inflammatory effect of SyA in a dose-dependent manner via the downregulation of NF-κB-TNFα-iNOS signaling pathway in the eyes of rats.