engleski

Micromeria croatica ethanolic extract reduces inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis in CCl4-induced mouse liver injury

Recent research in the field of free radical biology suggested an important pathophysiological role of free radicals and oxidative stress in the development and progression of liver diseases. In light of the fact that modern medicine still lacks the reliable liver-protective drug, the plant-derived natural products with prominent antioxidant properties are gaining increased importance in search for new and effective therapies. Micromeria croatica (Pers.) Schott (Lamiaceae) is an aromatic perennial dwarf shrub and endemic species of Croatia that was previously reported to possess considerable antioxidant abilities, mainly attributed to the high level of polyphenolic substances.1 The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Micromeria croatica ethanolic extract (MC) using an animal model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in mice as well as to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of its activity.2 MC was administered by oral gavage at doses of 50, 200 and 400 mg/kg, once daily for 2 consecutive days, 6 h after intraperitoneal CCl4 injection. CCl4 intoxication resulted in liver damage and oxidative stress as evidenced by increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and decreased Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity as well as increased 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) formation. CCl4 administration also triggered inflammatory response in mice livers by activating nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), which coincided with the induction of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). MC treatment decreased ALT activity and prevented liver necrosis. Improved hepatic antioxidant status was evident by increased Cu/Zn SOD activity and decreased 4-HNE formation in the livers. Concomitantly, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were overexpressed. The hepatoprotective activity of MC was accompanied by the increase in NF-κB activation and TNF-α expression, indicating amelioration of hepatic inflammation. Additionally, MC prevented tumor growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, suggesting suppression of fibrogenesis. These results demonstrated for the first time that MC possesses in vivo antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activities, which are comparable to those of standard hepatoprotective drug silymarin, and may be beneficial against liver diseases

Micromeria croatica ; hepatoprotective effect

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