Hepatoprotective Activities of Huoshan Dendrobium Officinale Kimura et Migo Water Extracts on Carbontetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Objective : The objective of this study is to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of water extracts from Huoshan Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (HDW) in a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced hepatotoxicity. In addition, potential mechanisms of any effects observed will be investigated. Methods: Mice received HDW pretreatment prior to induction of hepatotoxicity. HDW was administered to mice once daily for a total of 5 days (p.o.) at three dose levels (20, 100 and 500 mg/kg/day). Hepatotoxicity was then induced in Kunming mice using a single injection (s.c.) of CCl 4 . CCl 4 was diluted in corn oil and used at a concentration of 10 ml/kg body weight. Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione disulfide (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) were analyzed as a readout to measure oxidative stress status. Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured as a readout of inflammation status. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were analyzed as a measure for the degree of hepatic injury. Finally, the liver ultrastructure was examined using optical microscopy. Results: CCl 4 -induced hepatotoxicity was shown to result in increased levels of ALT, AST, MDA, IL-6, CRP and TNF-ɑ, and decreased levels of SOD and a decreased GSH/GSSG ratio in serum. Histopathological examination of liver sections using microscopy revealed necrosis and inflammatory effects due to CCl 4 -induced hepatotoxicity. We observed that HDW pretreatment resulted in decreased levels of ALT, AST, MDA, IL-6, CRP and TNF-ɑ, and increased SOD levels and an increased GSH/GSSG ratio. In addition, the hepatic histo-architecture was shown to be normalized. Conclusion: This study provides support for the use of HDW to protect against toxic liver injury. Furthermore, we show that the hepatoprotective effects of HDW are likely attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.