Hepatoprotective effects of Gamisoyo-san against acetaminophen-induced liver injuries.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, APAP) is a safe and effective analgesic at therapeutic dosage. However, APAP overdose is a major cause of acute liver injury. Gamisoyo-san (GMSYS; Jiaweixiaoyao-san in Chinese, Kamishoyo-san in Japanese), a traditional herbal formula, is used to treat phlegm and cough in Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of GMSYS against APAP-induced liver injury in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS:

We evaluated the effect of GMSYS on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by measuring cell viability in murine BNL CL.2 liver cells. Additionally, BALB/c mice were orally administered with GMSYS once daily for 7 days. Eighteen hours after the last administration, mice were intraperitoneally injected with 200 mg/kg APAP. Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, hepatic antioxidants, and histological changes were examined.

RESULTS:

Pretreatment with GMSYS attenuated the decrease in cell viability induced by APAP in BNL CL.2 cells. In mice, pre-administration with GMSYS alleviated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by decreasing plasma ALT and AST activities and hepatic malondialdehyde, and by increasing the total glutathione (GSH)/reduced GSH ratio and the activities of several antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, GSH peroxidase, GSH reductase, GSH-S-transferase, and heme oxygenase-1.

CONCLUSION:

GMSYS has a protective effect against APAP-induced acute liver injury by decreasing plasma transaminases and increasing antioxidants. GMSYS may be an effective candidate for the prevention of acute liver injury.

• Authors: Seong Eun Jin, Hyeun-Kyoo Shin, Hyekyung Ha
• Journal: Integrative medicine research (Integr Med Res) Vol. 10 Issue 1 Pg. 100466 (Mar 2021) ISSN: 2213-4220 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 32904181 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2020 Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V.