This study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of Vanillin (VA) against Diclofenac sodium (DFNa)-induced liver toxicity and enteropathy. A total of sixty male rats were divided into six groups; a control group received only saline, a DFNa-group received DFNa (9 mg/kg), 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups received DFNa along with escalated doses of VA (50, 100, 200 mg/kg). After five days of treatment, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. According to our findings, administration of DFNa led to a substantial decrease in the final body weight and a considerable deterioration of hematologic parameters. Regarding biochemically, DFNa-induced a significant elevation in liver enzyme activities with a significant decrease in total protein and albumin levels, indicating liver intoxication. VA maintained normalized body weight and prevented DFNa-induced adverse effects on hematologic and liver parameters.
Additionally, histopathological examinations revealed that DFNa showed perivascular inflammation and cellular infiltration, along with congestion and dilation of the central vein and induction of both types of cell death (necrosis and apoptosis). In the intestinal sections, DFNa resulted in necrotic enteritis, desquamation, and sloughing of the mucosa, as well as considerable congestion and dilation of the blood vessels with prominent submucosal edema. It is intriguing to note that the VA-treated animals demonstrated a significant protective effect against the deleterious effects of the DFNa on the liver and intestine. As a result of our study, VA could be used as an adjuvant agent as part of various regimens containing DFNa.