Protective effect of glycoprotein isolated from Ulmus davidiana Nakai on carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse liver injury

Anti-Obesity and Lipid Metabolism Effects of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

The root bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (Japanese elm) is used in Korea and other East Asian countries as a traditional herbal remedy to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases and ailments such as edema, gastric cancer and mastitis. For this study, we investigated the lipid metabolism and anti-obesity efficacy of ethyl alcohol extract of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica root bark (UDE). First, HPLC was performed to quantify the level of (+)-catechin, the active ingredient of UDE. In the following experiments, cultured 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed murine model were studied for anti-obesity efficacy by testing the lipid metabolism effects of UDE and (+)-catechin. In the test using 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes, treatment with UDE inhibited adipocyte differentiation and significantly reduced the production of adipogenic genes and transcription factors PPARγ, C/EBPα and SREBP-1c. HFD-fed, obese mice were administered with UDE (200 mg/kg per day) and (+)-catechin (30 mg/kg per day) by oral gavage for 4 weeks. Weight gain, epididymal and abdominal adipose tissue mass were significantly reduced, and a change in adipocyte size was observed in the UDE and (+)-catechin treatment groups compared to the untreated control group (***p < 0.001). Significantly lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were detected in UDE-treated HFD mice compared to the control, revealing the efficacy of UDE. In addition, it was found that lipid accumulation in hepatocytes was also significantly reduced after administration of UDE. These results suggest that UDE has significant anti-obesity and lipid metabolism effects through inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis.

A 35 kDa Phyllanthus niruri protein suppresses indomethacin mediated hepatic impairments: Its role in Hsp70, HO-1, JNKs and Ca2+ dependent inflammatory pathways

The present study has been conducted to explore a novel strategy to modulate the unfavourable effects of indomethacin by Phyllanthus niruri protein (PNP) and the underlying mechanism PNP exploits for the amelioration of that pathophysiology. In hepatocytes, indomethacin enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced intracellular antioxidant capacity, up regulated mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPKs), disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, activated apoptotic pathways and there by reduced the viability of the hepatocytes. Simultaneous treatment with PNP modulated these detrimental actions of the drug and retained cell viability. Similarly, in mice, indomethacin elevated serum marker enzymes (e.g. Alanine Transaminase), decreased antioxidant enzyme activities, elevated oxidations of lipids and proteins, increased intracellular calcium overload mediated endoplasmic reticular stress (ER stress) pathways, up regulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines and there by leading to the mitochondrial dependent caspase-3 activation and poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Moreover investigation of these inherent molecular pathways exhibited that these alterations are associated with up regulation of MAPKs, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), heme oxygenase-1 and down regulation of survival proteins. However, PNP suppressed those apoptotic indices as evidenced from histopathological studies and DNA fragmentation analysis. Combining, results suggest that PNP could possibly provide a protection against indomethacin-induced hepatic pathophysiology.

Antiproliferative protein from the culture supernatant of Lentinula edodes C91-3 mycelia

We purified and isolated a novel protein (LFP(91-3)A2) with antitumor effect from Lentinula edodes C(91-3) liquid mycelial culture supernatant. LFP(91-3)A2 was purified by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography (DEAE-cellulose) and gel filtration chromatography (Sephacryl S-200HR). SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF/MS analysis Mascot search showed LFP(91-3)A2 is a new protein with apparent molecular weight of 26 kDa. The effect on tumor cell proliferation was assessed by using MTT assay in vitro, and the LFP(91-3)A2 reduced tumor cell growth obviously in a dose dependent manner (5-15 μg/mL) (p < 0.05), while it exhibited no toxic effect on normal chick embryo fibroblasts. The antiproliferative mechanism of LFP(91-3)A2 was found to be associated with inducing cell apoptosis by flow cytometry analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The LFP(91-3)A2 is a novel protein from Lentinula edodes with tumor-suppressive activity via inducing apoptosis of tumor cells without toxicity on normal cells and may be beneficial to natural products in clinical treatment.

Amelioration of aspirin induced oxidative impairment and apoptotic cell death by a novel antioxidant protein molecule isolated from the herb Phyllanthus niruri

Aspirin has been used for a long time as an analgesic and anti-pyretic drug. Limitations of its use, however, remain for the gastro-intestinal side effects and erosions. Although the role of aspirin on gastro-intestinal injury has been extensively studied, the molecular mechanisms underlying aspirin-induced liver and spleen pathophysiology are poorly defined. The present study has been conducted to investigate whether phyllanthus niruri protein (PNP) possesses any protective role against aspirin mediated liver and spleen tissue toxicity, and if so, what signaling pathways it utilizes to convey its protective action. Aspirin administration in mice enhanced serum marker (ALP) levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, reduced antioxidant power and altered oxidative stress related biochemical parameters in liver and spleen tissues. Moreover, we observed that aspirin intoxication activated both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways, as well as down regulated NF-κB activation and the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK MAPKs. Histological assessments and TUNEL assay also supported that aspirin induced tissue damages are apoptotic in nature. PNP treatment after aspirin exposure effectively neutralizes all these abnormalities via the activation of survival PI3k/Akt pathways. Combining all results suggest that PNP could be a potential protective agent to protect liver and spleen from the detrimental effects of aspirin.

Cajanus indicus leaf protein: Beneficial role in experimental organ pathophysiology. A review

The herb, Cajanus indicus L, has been and is popular for its medicinal value in India and other countries for long. The herb is mainly cultivated for the seeds which are used as pulses and are rich in proteins. People of rural India and some neighboring countries use the aqueous extract of the leaves of the herb against poor liver function and recently it has been found that the extract is not only useful against liver damage but also beneficial for renal failure and a number of other pathophysiological conditions. Intraperitoneal administration of the aqueous protein fraction of the leaves has shown hepatoprotective activity in mice. The protein fraction revealed the presence of a 43kDa protein having antioxidant and other protective properties in organ pathophysiology. The purified protein, CI-protein, scavenges free radicals generated by different free radical inducers and helps providing cytoprotection. Amino acid sequence of CI-protein has some structural similarity with plastocyanin, an electron carrier protein in photosynthesis. The protein has also been found to be active against a number of organ dysfunction inducer chemicals and drugs, like carbon tetrachloride, thioacetamide and acetaminophen. Signal transduction studies suggest that CI-protein exerts its protective action by free radical scavenging and antioxidative properties; it activates NF-κB and Akt without any involvement of ERK1/ERK2 and STAT-3 in acetaminophen induced hepatic pathophysiology. Besides, it reduces both drug and toxin induced cytotoxicity by decreasing the formation and/or scavenging of free radicals involving cytochrome P450, taking part in detoxification of xenobiotics.

Protective effect of partially purified 35 kDa protein from silk worm (Bombyx mori) fecal matter against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity and in vitro anti-viral properties

CONTEXT

It has been found that many proteins from silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) fecal matter have been active against human immunodeficiency virus, Sendai virus, herpes simplex virus type-1, and nuclear polyhedrosis virus.

OBJECTIVE

A partially purified 35 kDa protein from silkworm was screened for its hepatoprotective activity, and in vitro antioxidant, and antiviral properties against camelpox and goatpox viruses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study investigated the efficiency of the partially purified 35 kDa protein from silk worm fecal matter against CCl₄-induced liver damage measured in terms of enzyme levels such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin, which maintain liver integrity. In vitro antioxidant potential of this protein was determined based on its ability to scavenge 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide anions scavenging activity. Further, in vitro cytotoxic effect on Vero cells and antiviral activity against goatpox and camelpox viruses were also studied.

RESULTS

The protein had significant hepatoprotection against CCl₄-induced liver damage and scavenging of DPPH radical and superoxide anion activity. However, the protein did not inhibit the multiplication of either virus tested at its maximum non-toxic concentration (MNTC) in vitro.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The partially purified 35 kDa protein from silk worm Bombyx mori L fecal matter possessed protective effect against CCl₄-induced oxidative stress in rat model. The protein was found to be ineffective against camelpox and goatpox viruses at its MNTC in vitro.

Protective effects of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica against OVA-induced murine asthma model via upregulation of heme oxygenase-1

AIM OF THE STUDY

Traditionally, the stem and root bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (Ulmaceae) are Korean herbal medicines used for anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapy. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica ethanolic extract (UD) in a murine asthma model. Furthermore, we determined whether heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is required for the protective activity of UD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Airways of ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice exposed to OVA challenge developed eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion and increased cytokine levels. UD was applied 1h prior to OVA challenge. Mice were administered UD orally at doses of 100 and 200mg/kg once daily on days 18-23. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected 48 h after the final OVA challenge. Levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 in BALF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Lung tissue sections 4 microm in thickness were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin for assessment of cell infiltration and mucus production with PAS (periodic acid shift reagent) staining, in conjunction with ELISA, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses for HO-1 protein expression.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Orally administered UD significantly inhibited the number of OVA-induced inflammatory cells and IgE production, along with reduced T-helper (Th)2 cytokine levels, such as IL-4 and IL-5, in BALF and lung tissue. In addition, UD induced a marked decrease in OVA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus production in lung tissue. These effects were correlated with HO-1 mRNA and protein induction. Our results indicate that UD protects against OVA-induced airway inflammation, at least in part, via HO-1 upregulation.

Protective effect of total flavonoids from Bidens bipinnata L. against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in mice

Bidens bipinnata L. is well known in China as a traditional Chinese medicine. This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the total flavonoids of B. bipinnata L. (TFB) against carbon tetrachloride (CCI4)-induced acute liver injury in mice and to determine its mechanism of action. Oral administration of TFB at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg kg−1 for 7 days significantly reduced the elevated relative values of liver weight, serum transaminases (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and the hepatic morphologic changes induced by CCl4 in mice. In addition, TFB markedly inhibited CCl4-induced lipid peroxidation and enhanced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Moreover, pretreatment with TFB suppressed nitric oxide production and nuclear factor-kB activation in CCl4-treated mice. The results suggest that TFB has significant hepatoprotective activity and its mechanism is related, at least in part, to its antioxidant properties. Further research is required to investigate the detailed mechanism of the protective effect of TFB on acute liver injury.

Anti-oxidative and anti-proliferative character of glycoprotein isolated from geranium sibiricum linne in Chang liver cells

Geranium sibiricum Linne (GSL) has been used to treat intestinal inflammation in traditional Korean folk medicine. We examined its anti-oxidative and anti-proliferative activity in the Chang liver cells. We determined that GSL glycoprotein isolated from GSL has a molecular weight of 18kDa and consists of a carbohydrate (10.45%) and protein moiety (89.55%). After confirmation of anti-oxidative activity, we investigated the changes in the production of intracellular reactive oxygen radicals (iROS) and nitric oxide in glucose oxidase-stimulated Chang liver cells, because they play a critical role for the cell proliferation as a signal mediator. The results in this study showed that GSL glycoprotein significantly reduced iROS production at 5μg/mL and increased NO production at 20μg/mL in the G/GO system (100mU/mL). Also, our finding indicated that the GSL glycoprotein ((50μg/mL) in the presence of Concanavalin A (Con A, 10μg/mL) resulted in inhibition of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA, cell proliferation marker). Taken together, GSL glycoprotein inhibits cell proliferation through modulation of intracellular ROS (iROS) and NO in the Chang liver cells. Therefore, we speculate that GSL glycoprotein has an anti-oxidative and anti-proliferative character.

UDN glycoprotein regulates activities of manganese-superoxide dismutase, activator protein-1, and nuclear factor-κB stimulated by reactive oxygen radicals in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated HCT-116 cells

This study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of glycoprotein (UDN glycoprotein, 116-kDa) isolated from Ulmus davidiana Nakai, which has been used to heal inflammatory diseases in Korean herbal medicine. We found that UDN glycoprotein has strong scavenging effect on the production of intracellular superoxide anion (O(2)(-)), hydrogen peroxides (H(2)O(2)), and nitric oxide (NO) without any cytotoxicity, and that the glycoprotein also selectively normalizes the aberrant activation of manganese-superoxide dismutases (Mn-SOD) activity in lipopolysaccaride (LPS)-treated cancerous human colon epithelial cells (HCT-116 cells). The results obtained from electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and Western blot analysis showed that UDN glycoprotein blocks the DNA binding activities of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), and attenuates the activities of NF-kappaB subunits (p50 and p65), and AP-1 subunits (c-Jun and c-Fos), respectively. To further verify the anti-inflammatory effect of UDN glycoprotein, we investigated the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) in LPS-treated HCT-116 cells, using Western blot analysis and gelatin zymographic assay. Results in this study indicated that 200mug/ml of UDN glycoprotein has inhibitory effects on the activations of iNOS, COX-2, and MMP-9. Therefore, UDN glycoprotein, a natural antioxidant, is a potential modulator of inflammatory signal pathways in LPS-treated HCT-116 cells.

Glycoprotein isolated from Ulmus davidiana Nakai regulates expression of iNOS and COX-2 in vivo and in vitro

This study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of a 116-kDa glycoprotein isolated from Ulmus davidiana Nakai (UDN glycoprotein, 116 kDa) in lipopolysaccaride (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated A/J mouse. In LPS (1 microg/ml)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, we found that UDN glycoprotein has dose-dependent blocking effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inducible nitric oxide (NO) production. In addition, the results obtained from electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and western blot analysis showed that UDN glycoprotein dose-dependently inhibits DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), and activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and manganese-superoxide dismutases (Mn-SOD) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Similar results after treatment with UDN glycoprotein were also brought in the DSS-stimulated A/J mouse colitis. The increased disease activity index (DAI) and the shortened large intestine in DSS (5%)-treated A/J mouse were normalized by treatment with UDN glycoprotein [40 mg/kg body weight (BW)]. These intestinal protective activities of UDN glycoprotein are caused by blockage of plasmic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation, nitric oxide (NO) production, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, accompanying the inhibition of colonic inflammatory signal mediators (NF-kappaB, iNOS, and COX-2). These results in this study were presumably come from anti-oxidative effect of UDN glycoprotein in either LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells or DSS-stimulated A/J mouse colitis. Therefore, we speculate that UDN glycoprotein has anti-inflammatory potential at the early inflammation stage.

A 43 kD protein isolated from the herb Cajanus indicus L attenuates sodium fluoride-induced hepatic and renal disorders in vivo

The herb, Cajanus indicus L, is well known for its hepatoprotective action. A 43 kD protein has been isolated, purified and partially sequenced from the leaves of this herb. A number of in vivo and in vitro studies carried out in our laboratory suggest that this protein might be a major component responsible for the hepatoprotective action of the herb. Our successive studies have been designed to evaluate the potential efficacy of this protein in protecting the hepatic as well as renal tissues from the sodium fluoride (NaF) induced oxidative stress. The experimental groups of mice were exposed to NaF at a dose of 600 ppm through drinking water for one week. This exposure significantly altered the activities of the antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and the cellular metabolites such as reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), total thiols, lipid peroxidation end products in liver and kidney compared to the normal mice. Intraperitoneal administration of the protein at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight for seven days followed by NaF treatment (600 ppm for next seven days) normalized the activities of the hepato-renal antioxidant enzymes, the level of cellular metabolites and lipid peroxidation end products. Post treatment with the protein for four days showed that it could help recovering the damages after NaF administration. Time-course study suggests that the protein could stimulate the recovery of both the organs faster than natural process. Effects of a known antioxidant, vitamin E, and a non-relevant protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA) have been included in the study to validate the experimental data. Combining all, result suggests that NaF could induce severe oxidative stress both in the liver and kidney tissues in mice and the protein possessed the ability to attenuate that hepato-renal toxic effect of NaF probably via its antioxidant activity.

Amelioration of galactosamine-induced nephrotoxicity by a protein isolated from the leaves of the herb, Cajanus indicus L

BACKGROUND

Galactosamine (GalN), an established experimental toxin, mainly causes liver injury via the generation of free radicals and depletion of UTP nucleotides. Renal failure is often associated with end stage liver damage. GalN intoxication also induces renal dysfunction in connection with hepatic disorders. Present study was designed to find out the effect of a protein isolated from the leaves of the herb Cajanus indicus against GalN induced renal damage.

METHODS

Both preventive as well as curative effect of the protein was investigated in the study. GalN was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 800 mg/kg body weight for 3 days pre and post to protein treatment at an intraperitoneal dose of 2 mg/kg body weight for 4 days. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), levels of cellular metabolites, reduced glutathione (GSH), total thiols, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and lipid peroxidation end products were determined to estimate the status of the antioxidative defense system. In addition, serum creatinine and urea nitrogen (UN) levels were also measured as a marker of nephrotoxicity.

RESULTS

Results showed that GalN treatment significantly increased the serum creatinine and UN levels compared to the normal group of mice. The extent of lipid peroxidation and the level of GSSG were also enhanced by the GalN intoxication whereas the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GR and GST as well as the levels of total thiols and GSH were decreased in the kidney tissue homogenates. Protein treatment both prior and post to the toxin administration successfully altered the effects in the experimental mice.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that GalN caused a severe oxidative insult in the kidney. Protein treatment both pre and post to the GalN intoxication could protect the kidney tissue against GalN induced oxidative stress. As GalN induced severe hepatotoxicity followed by renal failure, the protective role of the protein against GalN induced renal damages is likely to be an indirect effect. Since the protein possess hepatoprotective activity, it may first ameliorate GalN-induced liver damage and consequently the renal disorders are reduced. To the best of our knowledge, this is probably the first report describing GalN-induced oxidative stress in renal damages and the protective role of a plant protein molecule against it.

UDN glycoprotein inhibits activator protein-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 via blocking of oxygen radicals in HT-29 cells

The present study was performed to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of a 116-kDa glycoprotein isolated from Ulmus davidiana Nakai (UDN glycoprotein) in lipopolysaccaride (LPS)-treated cancerous human colon epithelial cells (HT-29 cells). UDN glycoprotein inhibited the production of intracellular superoxide anion (O (2) (.-) ), hydrogen peroxides (H(2)O(2)), and nitric oxide (NO), whereas normalized the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX)], accompanying the inhibition of manganese-superoxide dismutases (Mn-SOD) activity in LPS-treated HT-29 cells. In addition, UDN glycoprotein blocked the DNA binding activity of activator protein-1 (AP-1) through suppression of c-Jun and c-Fos activities, respectively. We also evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of UDN glycoprotein based on the activity of the pro-inflammatory signal mediators [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9)]. The results showed that UDN glycoprotein (200 mug/ml) has an inhibitory effect on the activation of iNOS, COX-2, and MMP-9 proteins in the LPS-treated HT-29 cells. From these results, we suggest that UDN glycoprotein is one of the potential anti-inflammatory agents that blocks LPS-mediated inflammatory signal pathway in HT-29 cells. Here, we speculate that UDN glycoprotein could be used as an antioxidative agent for inflammatory gastrointestinal cancers.

Glycoprotein isolated from Ulmus davidiana Nakai modulates inflammatory related factors in mouse colonic tissues

This study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of a 116kDa glycoprotein isolated from Ulmus davidiana Nakai (UDN glycoprotein) in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated mice. In DSS-treated mouse, the results showed that pretreatment with UDN glycoprotein [40mg/kg body weight (BW)] normalized the augment of disease activity index (DAI) level and shortening of the large intestine. In addition, UDN glycoprotein inhibited myeloperoxidase (MPO) activation, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation, nitric oxide (NO) production and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, whereas increased the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], accompanying the inhibition of pro-inflammatory-related signal mediators [colonic nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)] in DSS-stimulated mice colitis. These results speculate that UDN glycoprotein may be useful for prevention of inflammatory disease and colorectal carcinogenesis.

Stimulative effects of Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) on osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) has long been known to have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on damaged tissue, inflammation and bone among other functions. To treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a herbal medicine, Ulmus davidiana Planch (Ulmaceae) extract (UD) is being used in traditional oriental medicine. The effect of UD on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation in non-transformed osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) was studied. UD dose-dependently increased DNA synthesis (significant at 5-20 microg/ml). UD increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and prolyl hydroxylase activity of MC3T3-E1 cells (5-20 microg/ml). Antiestrogen tamoxifen eliminated the stimulation of proliferation and ALP activity of MC3T3-E1, which was induced by UD. UD at concentrations ranged from 30 to 100 microg/ml inhibited prostaglandin E2 production in MC3T3-E1. These results indicate that UD directly stimulates cell proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. These results also suggest and UD is effective for bone anti-resorptive action in bone cells.

Attenuation of Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity In Vivo and In Vitro by a 43-kD Protein Isolated from the Herb Cajanus indicus L

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective role of a 43-kD protein (Hp-P) isolated from the leaves of Cajanus indicus L. against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced toxicity in mouse liver and in isolated hepatocytes. The hepatotoxicity of APAP and the hepatoprotective activity of Hp-P in vivo were determined by measuring the liver-specific serum marker enzymes alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in murine sera and observing the histological changes in the mice liver treated with the protein before and after (2 mg/kg body weight for 5 days) APAP (at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight for 2 days) administration. The cell viability, LDH leakage, GSH level, and lipid peroxidation were measured in isolated hepatocytes to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of APAP and the protective role of Hp-P in vitro. Experimental results showed that APAP induced hepatotoxicity in vivo as revealed from the changes in serum-specific marker enzyme levels and histology of liver. It also induced cytotoxicity in hepatocytes as observed from the changes in cell viability and LDH leakage. Pretreatment with Hp-P prevented the APAP-induced elevation of ALT and ALP in murine sera. In addition, posttreatment with Hp-P significantly altered most of the changes induced by APAP. Although some natural recovery has been observed in toxin controls, the Hp-P-induced recovering process is more rapid than the natural ones. In histological studies, less centrilobular necrosis was found in the liver treated with Hp-P before and after APAP intoxication compared to the liver treated with APAP alone. Radical scavenging experiment showed that Hp-P scavenges DPPH radicals directly. Studies also showed that APAP-induced reduced cell viability and cellular LDH leakage could be prevented by the combinatorial effect of Hp-P. Besides, treatment of hepatocytes with Hp-P and APAP together maintained the normal GSH level. APAP-induced enhanced lipid peroxidation was also decreased when cells were treated with APAP and Hp-P together. Hp-P alone, on the other hand, did not induce any alterations of the studied parameters. Results of this study have been compared with a known antioxidant, alpha-tocopherol. Data from both the in vivo (before and after APAP administration) and in vitro studies suggest that Hp-P has potent hepato- and cytoprotective properties against APAP-induced toxicity.

Galactosamine-induced hepatotoxic effect and hepatoprotective role of a protein isolated from the herb Cajanus indicus L in vivo

dd(+)-Galactosamine is a well-known experimental hepatotoxin. The present study was conducted to determine the protective role of a 43-kD protein isolated from the leaves of the herb Cajanus indicus L against D(+)-galactosamine (GalN) induced liver damage in mice. Both preventive and curative effects of the protein have been investigated in the study. The protein was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight for 4 days before and after GalN intoxication at a dose of 800 mg/kg body weight for 3 days. The increased activities of serum marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase because of GalN administration, were significantly reduced by the protein treatment. The protein also normalized the altered activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase as well as the levels of cellular metabolites, reduced glutathione, glutathione disulfide, and total thiols. In addition, the enhanced hepatic lipid peroxidation because of GalN intoxication was also effectively inhibited by the protein treatment. Results suggest that GalN caused hepatic damages via oxidative insult and that the protein provided protection through its antioxidant mechanism.