Hura crepitans stem bark extract: A potential remedy to sub-acute liver damage

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND AIM

Hura crepitans is commonly used to treat liver diseases in Nigeria and Ghana. Previous studies have supported its ethnomedicinal use in protecting the liver. The present study aimed at assessing the effect of H. crepitans stem bark on the subacute carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The protective activities of ethanolic extract of H. crepitans stem bark was evaluated in CCl₄-induced subacute liver damage in rats (1:1 v/v in olive oil, intraperitoneally (i.p.), twice weekly for 8 weeks). Blood samples were obtained from the rats and used for some biochemical analysis such as liver function test (Aspartate transaminase, AST; Alanine aminotransferase, ALT; and Alkaline phosphatase, ALP), liver fibrotic indices (Aspartate platelet ratio index, APRI; AST/ALT and AST/PLT ratios) and oxidative stress markers (Malondialdehyde, MDA; Reduced glutathione, GSH; Glutathione S-transferase, GST; Glutathione peroxidase, GPx; and superoxide dismutase, SOD). Histopathological analyses were carried out to determine the expression of pro-inflammatory (NF-κB, COX-2, IL-17 and IL-23) using immunohistochemical techniques.

RESULTS

Oral administration of H. crepitans to CCl₄-induced hepatic injured rats significantly decreased oxidative stress, increased the levels of SOD, GSH, GST and GPx with reduced MDA levels. The plant also mitigated liver injury as evidenced in the significantly reduced levels of AST, ALT and ALP, while it inhibited the inflammatory process via the inhibition of NF-κB, and consequently down-regulateed the pro-inflammatory cytokines COX-2, IL-17 and IL-23, respectively. Biochemical observations were supported by improvement in liver microarchitecture.

CONCLUSION

The Hura crepitans demonstrated antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antifibrotic effect in hepatic injured rats. The study in a way justifies the traditional use of the plant for the treatment of subacute liver diseases in Nigerian Traditional medicine.

Preventive effects of black soybean polyphenols on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in three different mouse models

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its advanced stage, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are a major health issue throughout the world. Certain food components such as polyphenols are expected to possess preventive effects on NAFLD and NASH. In this study, the preventive effects of black soybean polyphenols were examined by using three NAFLD/NASH animal models. In a choline-deficient and L-amino acid-defined high-fat diet-induced NASH model, the intake of black soybean polyphenols decreased oxidative stress, but failed in attenuating liver injury and decreasing the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). In a Western diet with sucrose and fructose containing sweetened water-induced NAFLD model, black soybean polyphenols suppressed hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, aminotransferase activities in the plasma, inflammatory cytokine expression, and α-SMA expression accompanied by modulation of lipid metabolism. In a combination of Western diet and carbon tetrachloride model, black soybean polyphenols also suppressed hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, aminotransferase activities in the plasma, and α-SMA expression. In conclusion, black soybean is an attractive food for the prevention of NAFLD and NASH due to its strong antioxidant activity.

Dendropanoxide, a Triterpenoid from Dendropanax morbifera, Ameliorates Hepatic Fibrosis by Inhibiting Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells through Autophagy Inhibition

Hepatic fibrosis results from chronic liver damage and is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we showed that dendropanoxide (DPX), isolated from Dendropanax morbifera, had anti-fibrotic effects on hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. DPX suppressed mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA, fibronectin, and collagen in activated HSCs. Moreover, DPX (40 mg/kg) treatment significantly lowered levels of liver injury markers (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase), expression of fibrotic markers, and deposition of ECM in a carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse model. Anti-fibrotic effects of DPX were comparable to those of silymarin in a hepatic fibrosis mouse model. As a possible mechanism of anti-fibrotic effects, we showed that DPX inhibited autophagosome formation (LC3B-II) and degradation of p62, which have important roles in HSC activation. These findings suggest that DPX inhibits HSC activation by inhibiting autophagy and can be utilized in hepatic fibrosis therapy.

Methoxyeugenol deactivates hepatic stellate cells and attenuates liver fibrosis and inflammation through a PPAR-ɣ and NF-kB mechanism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Studies have shown interest in nutraceuticals for the prevention of liver diseases. Methoxyeugenol, is a molecule found in foods, such as nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) and Brazilian red propolis. These two sources of methoxyeugenol, propolis and nutmeg, are used in folk medicine for the treatment of hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders, although little is known about their effects on the prevention of liver fibrosis. Natural PPAR (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) agonists would represent unique molecules for therapy, considering the lack of therapeutics to treat liver fibrosis in chronic liver disease. Thus, investigation on new alternatives are necessary, including the search for natural compounds from renewable and sustainable sources. Liver fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by an exacerbated cicatricial response in the hepatic tissue, which compromises liver function. Therefore, inhibition of HSC (hepatic stellate cell) activation and hepatocyte damage are considered major strategies for the development of new anti-fibrotic treatments.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the effects of methoxyeugenol treatment on HSC phenotype modulation in human and murine cells, hepatocyte damage prevention, and protective effects in vivo, in order to evaluate its therapeutic potential for liver fibrosis prevention.

METHODS

We investigated the effects of methoxyeugenol in (i) in vitro models using human and murine HSC and hepatocytes, and (ii) in vivo models of CCl₄ (carbon tetrachloride) -induced liver fibrosis in mice.

RESULTS

We herein report that methoxyeugenol decreases HSC activation through the activation of PPAR-ɣ, ultimately inducing a quiescent phenotype highlighted by an increase in lipid droplets, loss of contraction ability, and a decrease in the proliferative rate and mRNA expression of fibroblast markers. In addition, methoxyeugenol prevented hepatocytes from oxidative stress damage. Moreover, in mice submitted to chronic liver disease through CCl₄ administration, methoxyeugenol decreased the inflammatory profile, liver fibrosis, mRNA expression of fibrotic genes, and the inflammatory pathway signaled by NF-kB (Nuclear factor kappa B).

CONCLUSION

We propose methoxyeugenol as a novel and potential therapeutic approach to treat chronic liver disease and fibrosis.

Metabolic mechanisms of Fuzheng-Huayu formula against liver fibrosis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fuzheng-Huayu formula (FZHY) is traditionally used to treat liver fibrosis in clinic. The study was conducted to investigate the metabolic mechanisms of FZHY against liver fibrosis in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats with CCl₄ -induced liver fibrosis were treated with FZHY and its components, including amygdalin, cordyceps polysaccharide and gypenoside, respecitively. Liver fibrosis and function were assesed by histopathological examination, Western blot and serum biochemical detection. Metabolic profiling of liver tissue, serum and urine in each group were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and transcriptomic changes were tested by gene chip. RT-qPCR was used to validate levels of different expressed genes (DEGs) with statistical significance. Metabolic network together with DEGs was constructed based on KEGG database.

RESULTS

FZHY effectively improved liver fibrosis better than the mixture or single use of gypenoside, cordyceps sinensis mycelia and amygdalin. FZHY treatment widely modulated the metabolic profiles perturbed by liver fibrosis, involving several important metabolic pathways, including glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, glucose-alanine cycle, citrate cycle, galactose metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, urea cycle, etc. It also increased alanine and decreased glucose levels in liver tissue and decreased both of them in serum and urine, which were dysregulated by CCl₄ treatment. Additionally, FZHY also upregulated expression of metabolic enzymes including Hk2, Adh1 and Gpt increased, and downregulated Gs and Acss2.

CONCLUSION

FZHY improved liver fibrosis in rats via altering the metabolic pathways and regulating gene expression of involved metabolic enzymes.

ASPP2 Inhibits the Profibrotic Effects of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in Hepatic Stellate Cells by Reducing Autophagy

BACKGROUND

Apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53-2 (ASPP2) is a damage-inducible P53-binding protein that enhances damage-induced apoptosis. Fibrosis is a wound-healing response, and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are key players in liver fibrogenesis. However, little is known about the relationship between ASPP2 and hepatic fibrosis.

AIMS

We investigated the effects of ASPP2 overexpression in HSCs and the role of ASPP2 in mouse liver fibrogenesis.

METHODS

Human HSCs (LX-2 cells) were pre-incubated with GFP adenovirus (Ad) or ASPP2 adenovirus (AdASPP2) for 24 h and then treated with or without TGF-β1. ASPP2^+/- and ASPP2+/+ Balb/c mice were used to examine the effects of ASPP2 on liver fibrosis in vivo. ASPP2+/+ Balb/c mice were generated by injecting AdASPP2 into the tail vein of ASPP2 WT Balb/c mice; all mice received intraperitoneal injections of carbon tetrachloride.

RESULTS

In this study, ASPP2 was found to markedly inhibit TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation of LX-2 cells. Further experiments using an autophagic flux assay confirmed that ASPP2 reduced the fibrogenic activation of LX-2 cells by inhibiting autophagy. Moreover, we found that ASPP2 overexpression attenuated the anti-apoptotic effects of TGF-β1 in LX-2 cells. The extent of liver fibrosis was markedly reduced in ASPP2+/+ mouse liver tissue compared with control mice; however, in ASPP2^+/- mice, hepatic collagen deposition was significantly increased.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that TGF-β1-induced autophagy is required for the fibrogenic response in LX-2 cells and that ASPP2 may both inhibit TGF-β1-induced autophagy and decrease liver fibrosis.

A small-molecule inhibitor of NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) protects liver from toxin-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and injury

Potent and selective chemical probes are valuable tools for discovery of novel treatments for human diseases. NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) is a key trigger in the development of liver injury and fibrosis. Whether inhibition of NIK activity by chemical probes ameliorates liver inflammation and injury is largely unknown. In this study, a small-molecule inhibitor of NIK, B022, was found to be a potent and selective chemical probe for liver inflammation and injury. B022 inhibited the NIK signaling pathway, including NIK-induced p100-to-p52 processing and inflammatory gene expression, both in vitro and in vivo Furthermore, in vivo administration of B022 protected against not only NIK but also CCl4-induced liver inflammation and injury. Our data suggest that inhibition of NIK is a novel strategy for treatment of liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and injury.-Ren, X., Li, X., Jia, L., Chen, D., Hou, H., Rui, L., Zhao, Y., Chen, Z. A small-molecule inhibitor of NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) protects liver from toxin-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and injury.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Cuscuta campestris Yunck. Whole Plant on Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Chronic Liver Injury in Mice

Cuscuta seeds and whole plant have been used to nourish the liver and kidney. This study was aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol extract of Cuscuta campestris Yunck. whole plant (CC_EtOH). The hepatoprotective effect of CC_EtOH (20, 100 and 500 mg/kg) was evaluated on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced chronic liver injury. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride and cholesterol were measured and the fibrosis was histologically examined. CC_EtOH exhibited a significant inhibition of the increase of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride and cholesterol. Histological analyses showed that fibrosis of liver induced by CCl₄ were significantly reduced by CC_EtOH. In addition, 20, 100 and 500 mg/kg of the extract decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhanced the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GRd) in the liver. We demonstrate that the hepatoprotective mechanisms of CC_EtOH were likely to be associated to the decrease in MDA level by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GPx and GRd. In addition, our findings provide evidence that C. campestris Yunck. whole plant possesses a hepatoprotective activity to ameliorate chronic liver injury.

Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of vasicinone in mice

Justicia adhatoda (vasaka) leaves have long been used in Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine as antitussive. Its crude extract has been previously reported to have hepatoprotective activity. Vasicinone was isolated from leaves of J. adhatoda, column purified and characterized using, TLC UV, FT-IR and 1H NMR. The isolated vasicinone was evaluated for hepatoprotective activity using (CCl4)-induced acute hepatotoxicity model in mice. CCl4 treatments lead to significant increase in SGOT, SGPT, ALP levels. Pre-treatment with vasicinone and silymarin (25 mg/kg/day for 7 days) significantly decreased these enzyme levels. Histopathology of the livers from vasicinone and silymarin pre-treated animals showed normal hepatic cords and absence of necrotic changes suggesting pronounced recovery from CCl4 induced liver damage. Both vasicinone and silymarin significantly decrease the CCl4 mediated increase in pentobarbital indiced sleeping time in experimental animals, thus indicating recovery of liver function. Based on the above results it can be concluded that vasicinone may act as hepatoprotective in mice and warrants further investigation on human volunteers.

[Metabonomic study on the anti-liver injury effect of Si-Ni-San on rats by using UPLC-MS/MS]

A UPLC-MS/MS method based on metabonomic skills was developed to study the serum metabolic changes of rats after acute liver injury induced by CCl4 and to evaluate the action mechanism of Si-Ni-San. The integrated data were exported for principal components analysis (PCA) by using SIMCA-P software, in order to find the potential biomarkers. It showed that clear separation of healthy control group, model group, silymarin group, Si-Ni-San group was achieved by using the PCA method. Nine significantly changed metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers of acute liver injury. Compared with the health control group, the model group rats showed higher levels of phenylalanine, tryptophan and GCDCA together with lower levels of LPC 16 : 0, LPC 18 : 0, LPC 18 : 1, LPC 16 : 1, LPC 20 : 4 and LPC 22 : 6. These changes of serum metabolites suggested that the disorders of amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, bile acid biosynthesis and anti-oxidative damage were related to acute liver injury induced by CCl4. Si-Ni-San might have the anti-liver injury effect on all these four metabolic pathways.

Chemical-pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic fingerprints of Schisandra chinensis alcoholic extract

It is valuable to establish a chemical-pharmacokinetic (PK)-pharmacodynamics (PD) fingerprint of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for comprehensively understanding the TCM integrated conception and revealing the material foundation. The chemical, metabolic in vitro, and PK/PD in vivo fingerprints of Schisandra chinensis (SC) alcoholic extract were established and comparatively analyzed using HPLC-UV-MS method, rat liver microsomes in vitro and CCl4 intoxicated rats in vivo. Four known effective lignans, schisandrin, schisantherin A, deoxyschizandrin and gamma-schisandrin, were detected as the standard references in SC alcoholic extract with high concentration. SC alcoholic extract and four lignans when incubated with rat liver microsomes produced several metabolites in NAPDH-dependent manner. Chemical fingerprint of some components with bioactivities were also identified in PK and PD fingerprints in normal and ALI rats that explained the material foundation of SC alcoholic extract for multiple pharmacological effects. Schisandrin, schisantherin A, deoxyschizandrin and gamma-schisandrin could be considered as the "PK marker" of SC alcoholic extract or its relevant preparations, while two metabolites of the four lignans, 7, 8-dihydroxy-schizandrin and another one (M(W) 432), could be recognized as drug-metabolism (DM) Marker. This work provides experimental data for the further studies of metabolism or material foundation of SC components.

Hepatoprotective action of Radix Paeoniae Rubra aqueous extract against CCl4-induced hepatic damage

In the present study the capacity of Radix Paeoniae Rubra aqueous extract (RPRAE) as an antioxidant to protect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats was investigated. Six groups of rats were used. Radix Paeoniae Rubra aqueous extract (100 or 200 or 300 mg/kg of bw) or bifendate (100 mg/kg of bw) were given daily by gavage to the animals on 28 consecutive days to elucidate the protective effects against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity. The 20% CCl₄/olive oil was gavage of gastric tube twice a week (on the third and seventh days of each week). The animals of normal control group were given only vehicle. The animals of CCl₄-treated group were administered with CCl₄ twice a week (on the third and seventh days of each week) and with vehicle on rest of the days. The test materials were found effective as hepatoprotective agents, as evidenced by plasma and liver biochemical parameters. Therefore, the results of this study show that Radix Paeoniae Rubra aqueous extract can protect the liver against CCl₄-induced oxidative damage in rats, and the hepatoprotective effects might be correlated with its antioxidant and free radical scavenger effects.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with inflammation and bacterial translocation in mice with CCl4-induced fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Gut is the major source of endogenous bacteria causing infections in advanced cirrhosis. Intestinal barrier dysfunction has been described in cirrhosis and account for an increased bacterial translocation rate.

HYPOTHESIS AND AIMS

We hypothesize that microbiota composition may be affected and change along with the induction of experimental cirrhosis, affecting the inflammatory response.

ANIMALS AND METHODS

Progressive liver damage was induced in Balb/c mice by weight-controlled oral administration of carbon tetrachloride. Laparotomies were performed at weeks 6, 10, 13 and 16 in a subgroup of treated mice (n = 6/week) and control animals (n = 4/week). Liver tissue specimens, mesenteric lymph nodes, intestinal content and blood were collected at laparotomies. Fibrosis grade, pro-fibrogenic genes expression, gut bacterial composition, bacterial translocation, host's specific butyrate-receptor GPR-43 and serum cytokine levels were measured.

RESULTS

Expression of pro-fibrogenic markers was significantly increased compared with control animals and correlated with the accumulated dose of carbon tetrachloride. Bacterial translocation episodes were less frequent in control mice than in treated animals. Gram-positive anaerobic Clostridia spp count was decreased in treated mice compared with control animals and with other gut common bacterial species, altering the aerobic/anaerobic ratio. This fact was associated with a decreased gene expression of GPR43 in neutrophils of treated mice and inversely correlated with TNF-alpha and IL-6 up-regulation in serum of treated mice along the study protocol. This pro-inflammatory scenario favoured blood bacterial translocation in treated animals, showing the highest bacterial translocation rate and aerobic/anaerobic ratio at the same weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Gut microbiota alterations are associated with the development of an inflammatory environment, fibrosis progression and bacterial translocation in carbon tetrachloride-treated mice.

Studies on possibility for alleviation of lifestyle diseases by low-dose irradiation or radon inhalation

Our previous studies showed the possibility that activation of the antioxidative function alleviates various oxidative damages, which are related to lifestyle diseases. Results showed that, low-dose X-ray irradiation activated superoxide dismutase and inhibits oedema following ischaemia-reperfusion. To alleviate ischaemia-reperfusion injury with transplantation, the changes of the antioxidative function in liver graft using low-dose X-ray irradiation immediately after exenteration were examined. Results showed that liver grafts activate the antioxidative function as a result of irradiation. In addition, radon inhalation enhances the antioxidative function in some organs, and alleviates alcohol-induced oxidative damage of mouse liver. Moreover, in order to determine the most effective condition of radon inhalation, mice inhaled radon before or after carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) administration. Results showed that radon inhalation alleviates CCl(4)-induced hepatopathy, especially prior inhalation. It is highly possible that adequate activation of antioxidative functions induced by low-dose irradiation can contribute to preventing or reducing oxidative damages, which are related to lifestyle diseases.

Protective effect of fermented sea tangle against ethanol and carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in Sprague-Dawley rats

Sea tangle has long been used as Korean folk remedy to promote material health, and is one of the popular dietary supplement. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of fermented sea tangle (FST) against ethanol and carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were orally treated with FST (25, 250, 2500 mg/kg/day) with administration of ethanol (5 mL/kg) for 13 weeks and the single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of 50% CCl(4) (5 mL/kg/day, CCl(4) in olive oil) at 12 week, and repeated i.p. dose of 20% CCl(4) (2 mL/kg/day) for 1 week. Hepatotoxicity was evaluated by measuring the serum levels of glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as the tissue levels of antioxidant enzyme such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Ethanol and CCl(4)-induced the rat liver damage, and significantly increased (p<0.05) the GPT, gamma-GT and MDA levels, and decreased the SOD, CAT and GPx levels. However, treatment with FST could decrease serum GPT, gamma-GT, and MDA levels significantly in plasma, and increase the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx in liver tissues compared with ethanol and CCl(4)-treated group.

Selenium supplementation decreases hepatic fibrosis in mice after chronic carbon tetrachloride administration

Oxidative stress stimulates fibrogenesis, and selenium (Se) has antioxidant properties. This study determined whether Se supplementation affects CCl(4)-induced liver injury and fibrosis. Mice were administered CCl(4) over 4 weeks, while controls received olive oil. Se was provided as sodium selenite in the drinking water. Se increased liver Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity and decreased liver malondialdehyde after CCl(4). Se decreased liver inflammation but not necrosis caused by CCl(4). Se increased hepatocyte apoptosis after CCl(4) and the pro-apoptotic BAX and Bcl Xs/l proteins. Stellate cell apoptosis occurred only after CCl(4) in Se-supplemented mice. Se decreased stellate cell number and fibrosis after CCl(4). Liver matrix metalloproteinase-9 increased after CCl(4) with Se supplementation. In conclusion, Se supplementation decreased hepatic fibrosis after CCl(4) in the setting of decreased inflammation but increased apoptosis. The principal mechanisms for the decreased fibrosis are a lower number of collagen-producing stellate cells and increased collagen degradation.

[Correction of glutamine metabolism impairments in the operated liver with chronic hepatitis by hyperbaric oxygen]

Application of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO, 3 ata, 1 session for 50 min per day) during the first three days after liver resection (LR, 15-20% from the organ mass) in animals with chronic toxic hepatitis (CCl4, 50%, 0,1 ml/per 100 g of body mass, subcutaneously, once in 2 days, 65 days) eliminates a deficit of glutamine and glutamate in an operated liver and prevents accumulation of the endogenic toxin, ammonia, caused by combined effects of CCl4 and LR. Thus hyperbaric oxygen modulates the effect of the LR on the activity of key enzymes of the glutamine metabolism in liver: glutamine synthetases (GS) and phosphate-dependent glutaminases (PDG). HBO enhanced and prolonged the LR effect of the GS activity and restricted analogous changes in PDG during an early (3 day) postoperative period and promoted a delayed transient stimulation in the late (7 day) postoperative period. In contrast to non-oxygenated animals with LR this was not accompanied by accumulation of ammonia and the decrease in glutamine concentration in the liver.

The protective effect of Zizyphus jujube fruit on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury in mice by anti-oxidative activities

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study was aimed to investigate the protective effect against hepatic injury induced by CCl(4) for the ethanolic extract of FZJ.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were detected as biomarker in blood of hepatic injury. Product of lipid peroxidation (MDA), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents were evaluated for oxidative stress in hepatic injury. Moreover, histopathological observation was assayed at the degree of hepatic injury.

RESULTS

After administrated the FZJ, the dose of 200mg/kg significantly decreased ALT and AST, and attenuated histopathology of hepatic injury, and ameliorated the oxidative stress in hepatic tissue. Partly assayed indexes were ameliorated after administrated FZJ at the dose of 100mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that hepatic protective effects of FZJ were very relevant to modulate the oxidative stress in hepatic injury.