C-phycocyanin ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced liver injury and metabolic disorder through the modulation of the gut microbiota in mice

Abstract

Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is an alkylating agent of nitrogen mustard with broad anti-tumor activity, but excessive or prolonged use can result in toxic side effects such as bone marrow suppression and toxicity to the liver and kidneys. C-phycocyanin from Spirulina has antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory pharmacological effects and can be used to protect the liver and kidneys from oxidative damage. The objectives of this study were investigating the protective mechanism of C-phycocyanin against liver inflammation in mice. The liver injury model was established by injecting mice with CTX. Indexes of liver function and inflammatory cytokines were assessed. The results showed that C-phycocyanin could reduce the levels of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alleviate the inflammatory damage of liver tissues, and also demonstrate that C-phycocyanin could modulate the gut microbiota of mice, so as to influence the metabolic function of the intestine and increase the immunity of the organism to modify the liver tissue damage. C-phycocyanin may thus be available as an immunologically effective natural drug in the future.