Effect of Silybin on hepatic cell membranes after damage by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)

Abstract

Young female NMRI mice were given a single intraperitoneal injection of a PAH mixture containing 3 micrometers benzo(a)pyrene in a suspension of 0.5 ml tricapryline. 3 and 4 days later a number of the mice received injections of 100 mg/kg body weight of Silybin in the tail vein. Thin sections of the animals' livers were studied under the electron microscope using the freeze fracture technique. Following intraperitoneal injection of the PAH suspension, and without treatment with Silybin, marked dilatation of the intercellular space and frequent occurrence of intracytoplasmic vacuoles was observed in addition to pronounced alterations in the hepatocytic nuclei and mitochondria. Following the administration of Silybin these alterations were no longer observed, though 50% of the cell membranes exhibited a marked band-like proliferation of the tight junctions. This observation may be interpreted as supporting the postulated membrane-stabilizing effects of Silybin.

Impact of Silibinin A on Bioenergetics in PC12APPsw Cells and Mitochondrial Membrane Properties in Murine Brain Mitochondria

“…Another explanation would be that SIL directly affects mitochondrial membranes. This is in agreement with multiple studies coming to similar conclusions for SIL and Silymarin [65][66][67]. Yet, a more recent study showed that Silymarin extract's effect on membrane stabilization was superior to that of SIL alone [68].…”

Distinction between breast cancer cell subtypes using third harmonic generation microscopy

“…Since THG signal is generated from the refractive index changes and dispersion, it can be hypothesized that chemical changes to the membranes could affect THG signalling. Indeed, aromatic hydrocarbons cause dilation of the intracellular space, altering thus intra‐cytoplasmic vacuoles . The correlation of THG signal area and intensity to C–H, C=O stretching, cholesterol and phospholipid spectra indicates that THG signal could reflect the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons and cholesterol.…”