Ma XY, Wang JY, Lu YS, Tian QS, Xia M, Liu X. Effects of Liucha extract on liver lipid metabolism in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2010;
18:2739-2744. [DOI:
10.11569/wcjd.v18.i26.2739]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effect of Liucha extract on liver lipid metabolism in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
METHODS: A rat model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was established by feeding rats a high-fat diet for 6 wk. The model rats were divided randomly into four groups: model group and low-, medium- and high-dosage treatment groups. The treatment groups were intragastrically given different doses of Liucha extract for 8 wk. A normal control group was also run. All rats were killed at week 8. Liver function parameters (ALT, AST) and the contents of fat (CHOL, TG) in liver homogenate were examined. Hepatic morphological changes were observed under a light microscope. The expression of PPARα and ACO mRNAs and PPARα protein was measured by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively.
RESULTS: Compared with the model group, liver function was improved in the treatment groups. The levels of ALT and AST were significant lower in the low- and medium-dosage treatment groups than in the model group (29.83 mmol/L ± 2.78 mmol/L and 25.78 mmol/L ± 2.63 mmol/L vs 31.90 mmol/L ± 2.52 mmol/L; 110.53 mmol/L ± 12.33 mmol/L and 100.45 mmol/L ± 12.57 mmol/L vs 128.61 mmol/L ± 16.01 mmol/L; all P < 0.05 or 0.01). The contents of CHOL and TG in liver homogenate were significantly lower in the medium-dosage treatment group than in the model group (0.30 mmol/L ± 0.02 mmol/L vs 0.47 mmol/L ± 0.04 mmol/L, 0.75 mmol/L ± 0.06 mmol/L vs 0.85 mmol/L ± 0.04 mmol/L, both P < 0.01 or 0.05). Hepatic morphological changes were improved in the treatment groups, particularly prominent in the medium-dosage treatment group. Compared with the model group, the expression of PPARα and ACO mRNAs was up-regulated in the medium- and high-dosage treatment groups (both P < 0.01). In addition, Liucha extract up-regulated the expression of PPARα protein in a dosage-dependent manner.
CONCLUSION: Liucha extract could up-regulate the mRNA expression of PPARα and ACO, enhance the synthesis of PPARα protein, promote liver lipid oxidation, and improve liver function in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
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