Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) refers to the sudden loss of liver function and is accompanied by several complications. In a previous study, we revealed the protective effect of Centella asiatica 50% ethanol extract (CA-HE50) on acetaminophen-induced liver injury. In the present study, we investigate the hepatoprotective effect of CA-HE50 in a lipopolysaccharide/galactosamine (LPS-D-Gal)-induced ALF animal model and compare it to existing therapeutic silymarin, Lentinus edodes mycelia (LEM) extracts, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and dimethyl diphenyl bicarboxylate (DDB). Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were decreased in the CA-HE50, silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB groups compared to the vehicle control group. In particular, AST and ALT levels of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group were significantly decreased compared to positive control groups. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly decreased in the CA-HE50, silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB groups compared to the vehicle control group and LDH levels of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group were similar to those of the positive control groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly increased in the 100 mg/kg CA-HE50, LEM and UDCA groups compared to the vehicle control group and, in particular, the 100 mg/kg CA-HE50 group increased significantly compared to positive control groups. In addition, the histopathological lesion score was significantly decreased in the CA-HE50 and positive control groups compared with the vehicle control group and the histopathological lesion score of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group was similar to that of the positive control groups. These results show that CA-HE50 has antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects at a level similar to that of silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB, which are known to have hepatoprotective effects; further, CA-HE50 has potential as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent in ALF.
Highlights
Acute liver failure (ALF) is an abrupt hepatocyte injury causing massive liver function loss in patients with no prior liver disease [1]
Animals determined to be healthy during the acclimatization period were randomly divided into eight groups of six animals each using a Z-shape arrangement method based on body weight
Animal model, we investigated the changes in the activities of CAT and Superoxide dismutase (SOD), representative levelsantioxidant compared to theinnormal group (p < 0.01)
Summary
Acute liver failure (ALF) is an abrupt hepatocyte injury causing massive liver function loss in patients with no prior liver disease [1]. To evaluate the degree of liver injury, serum biochemical indicators (AST, aspartate transaminase; ALT, alanine transaminase; LDH, lactate dehydrogenase; TG, triglyceride; TC, total cholesterol) and liver tissue oxidation indicators (CAT, catalase; SOD, superoxide dismutase) are used [3]. AST, ALT and LDH enzyme activities are low under normal conditions, but, when the liver tissue is damaged, AST, ALT and LDH are released into the bloodstream, increasing serum concentrations and increasing their activities. Measurements of serum levels of AST and ALT are effective for the diagnosis of liver damage [4]. The oxidative stress induces an immune response or an inflammatory reaction in several types of cells in the liver, causing liver damage and the balance of the antioxidant defense system is broken, leading to a variety of diseases [6,7]. Limited tissue donations, high liver transplantation requirements and high incidence of post-transplant complications necessitate research into alternative therapies such as ALF prophylactic and therapeutic drugs
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