Naringin Attenuates CCl4-Induced Hepatocyte Damage by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Abstract

Objective: Exposure of the liver to diverse chemicals induce hepatic damage. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is widely used toxin to investigate hepatic injury. In our study, the effects of naringin (NRG), a flavanone abundant in citrus fruits, on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and stress-mediated apoptosis in CCl4-induced liver injury were investigated. Materials and methods: THLE-3 cells were exposed to varying concentrations of CCl4 for 24 hours and then treated with different doses of NRG for 4 hours. The effects of varying concentrations on cell viability were determined. Then, protein expressions of ER stress markers were detected in hepatocytes. Finally, Bcl2 active / inactive cell ratios were determined by flow cytometry. Results: NRG treatment (5 and 10 μM) significantly increased cell viability, which decreased with CCl4 administration. Similarly, the increased levels of ER stress markers as a result of CCl4 application were significantly reduced with NRG treatment. Finally, NRG prevented apoptosis by significantly reducing ratio of Bcl2 inactive cells. Conclusion: NRG treatment is effective in suppressing ER stress in CCl4-induced hepatocyte damage and preventing ER stress-induced apoptosis.