Aim: Cadmium (Cd), an environmentally polluting heavy metal, accumulates in many tissues, especially the kidney and liver, and has toxic effects. It has recently been determined that linalool (LIN), which is found in the essential oils of natural products and frequently used in perfumery/cosmetics, interestingly exhibits beneficial properties such as anti-microbial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to determine the potential effect of LIN application on regulating neuropeptide Spexin (SpX) and inflammation against Cd-induced liver tissue damage.

Materials and Methods: In the study, 28 rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. The groups were; control (n=7), Cd (n=7; 3 mg/kg CdCl₂ for the first 7 days), Cd+LlN (n=7; 3 mg/kg CdCl₂ for the first 7 days and 100 mg/kg/day LIN) and LIN (n=7; 100 mg/kg/day LIN). The experiment was terminated on the 15^th day. The blood serum samples taken were used in biochemical analyzes and the liver tissues were used in histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses.

Results: While liver enzyme levels and immunoreactivities of apoptotic and inflammatory markers increased due to Cd exposure, SpX immunoreactivity decreased in the liver. Additionally, it was detected that LIN application had a regulatory effect on the negative effects caused by Cd exposure.

Conclusion: Against Cd-induced liver tissue damage, LIN may exert a hepatoprotective effect by regulating SpX and inflammation.