Butyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid induces oxidative stress in mice liver--an in vivo study

Present study focuses on the evaluation of butyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid (butylparaben CAS No: 94-26-8) exerted hepatotoxicity in mice. Oral administration of three different doses of butylparaben (40, 20 and 13.33 mg/0.2 mL olive oil/kg b.w./day) for 30 days has resulted in marked increase in lipid peroxidation. The effect was dose-dependent. Biochemical analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) and dose-dependant reduction in non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione and ascorbic acid content. Significant (p < 0.05) reduction in enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase were also observed in butylparaben treated groups as compared to control. Our findings prove that the oxidative stress induced by butylparaben plays the central role in the toxicity.