清脂健肝方对酒精性肝损伤的防治作用

Effect of palmitic acid on ethanol-induced fatty degeneration in hepatic cells in vitro

AIM: To determine the effect of different concentrations of palmitic acid on alcohol-induced lipogenesis in L-02 liver cells and to explore mechanisms involved.

METHODS: Cultured L-02 liver cells were divided into three groups: blank control group, alcohol induction group, and palmitic acid intervention group, which were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% serum, RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% serum and 6% ethanol, and RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% serum, 6% ethanol and different concentrations of palmitic acid (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 µmol/L), respectively. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay. The accumulation of lipid droplets was observed by light inverted microscopy after red oil-O staining. Intracellular triglyceride (TG) level was determined using commercial kits. Western blot was used to detect the levels of nuclear SREBP-1c protein in hepatocytes of each group.

RESULTS: A model of alcohol-induced steatosis was successfully induced in L-02 liver cells by incubation with 0.6% ethanol for 72 h. Compared to the alcohol induction group, palmitic acid at concentrations of 2.5, 5, and 10 µmol/L could not only significantly promote cell proliferation (all P < 0.05) but also significantly reduce the accumulation of lipid droplets and the levels of intracellular TG and nuclear SREBP-1c protein (all P < 0.05), showing concentration-dependent protective effects. However, palmitic acid at concentrations of 20, 30 and 40 µmol/L significantly inhibited cell proliferation (all P < 0.05) and increased the accumulation of lipid droplets and the levels of intracellular TG and nuclear SREBP-1c protein (all P < 0.05), showing harmful effect on alcohol-induced steatosis in L-02 liver cells.

CONCLUSION: Palmitic acid at concentrations <10 µmol/L has protective effects and palmitic acid at concentrations >10 µmol/L has harmful effects on alcohol-induced steatosis in L-02 liver cells. Palmitic acid exerts effects on alcohol-induced steatosis in L-02 liver cells via mechanisms associated with regulating the expression of nuclear SREBP-1c protein in hepatocytes.

Effects of Hu Gan Ling on lytic enzymes of ethanol in experimental rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of Hu Gan Ling on lytic enzymes of ethanol in the experimental rats.

METHODS: The rat model of liver injury was induced intragastically by alcohol administration. After treatment with Essentiale, high- and low-dose Hu Gan Ling, the alcohol concentration in serum was determined by dual wavelength spectrophotometry, and the contents of catalase (CAT) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in liver homogenate were detected according to the instruction of kit and by spectrophotometric method, respectively. The expressions of ADH and CYP450ⅡE1 mRNA were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS: In comparison with that in the normal controls, the serum content of alcohol in model group was significantly increased (545.7 ± 108.85 mg/L vs -51.4 ± 2.83 mg/L, P < 0.05), but the tissue content of ADH or CAT was significantly decreased (667 ± 272 nkat/L vs 1884 ± 650 nkat/L, P < 0.05; 112 ± 29 nkat vs 255 ± 43 nkat, P < 0.05). However, Hu Gan Ling reduced the serum content of alcohol (low dose: 248.5 ± 96.63 mg/L; high dose: -0.1 ± 33.94 mg/L; both P < 0.01), but increased the tissue content of ADH (low dose: 1184 ± 422 nkat/L; high dose: 1550 ± 458 nkat/L; both P < 0.05) or CAT (low dose: 202 ± 31 nkat/L; high dose: 167 ± 34 nkat/L; both P < 0.05). After modeling, the expression of CYP450ⅡE1 mRNA was significantly down-regulated (10 ± 2 vs 15 ± 2, P < 0.01), and then further down-regulated by Hu Gan Ling treatment (high dose: 8 ± 2, P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of ADH was not markedly changed after modeling and drugs treatment (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Hu Gan Ling can activate the lytic enzymes of ethanol, and enhance the intracorporal ethanol metabolism.