Mitochondrial modulation is involved in the hepatoprotection of Limonium sinense extract against liver damage in mice

Aim of the Study: Limonium sinense (Girard) Ktze is a Chinese folk medicine used to treat fever, hemorrhage, hepatitis, and other disorders. The present research focused on the protective effects of L. sinense extracts (LSE) against liver damage. Materials and methods: In this study the extract from the root of Limonium sinense was used. Aminotransferase activity detection, electron microscopy, mitochondrial function evaluation, RT-PCR and western blot were used to evaluate the hepatoprotection of LSE in LPS/D-GalN-intoxicated mice. Results: Pretreatment with 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg LSE significantly blocked the increase in both serum aspartate aminotransferase (sAST) and serum alanine aminotransferase (sALT) levels induced by treatment with LPS Plus D-GalN (LPS/D-GalN). Ultrastructural observation by electron microscopy showed reduced hepatocyte nuclear condensation and less lipid deposition. The decrease in both the mitochondrial membrane potential (14.6%) and sensitivity to mitochondrial swelling induced by Ca2+ (45.9%) observed in the liver of LPS/D-GalN-treated mice were prevented by pretreatment with LSE. In addition, different doses of LSE increased both the transcription and the translation of voltage-dependent anion channels (VDAC), which was down-regulated by LPS/D-GalN treatment. Conclusions: In summary, LSE protects livers against LPS/D-GalN-induced damage, possibly by mitochondrial mechanisms related to increased expression of VDAC. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.