In Vivo and In Vitro Hepatoprotective Effects of Geranium koreanum Methanolic Extract via Downregulation of MAPK/Caspase‐3 Pathway

Abstract

Geranium koreanum (GK) is an indigenous Chinese herbal medicine widely used for the treatment of various inflammation and liver disorders. However, the exact mechanism of action of GK remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and related molecular mechanism of GK on NaAsO2-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and liver damage in mice. The cytoprotective role of GK was assessed on HepG2 cells using MTT assay. Oxidative stress and lactate dehydrogenase levels were measured with ROS and LDH assay. Histopathology and serum enzymes levels were estimated. The molecular mechanism was evaluated by qPCR and immunoblotting to ensure the hepatoprotective role of GK against NaAsO2 intoxication in mice. We found cotreatment with GK significantly attenuated NaAsO2-induced cell viability loss, intracellular ROS, and LDH release. Hepatic histopathology and serum biochemical parameters, ALT, and AST were notably improved by cotreatment with GK. Beside, GK markedly altered both mRNA and protein expression level of MAPK. The proapoptotic and antiapoptotic protein Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was significantly regulated by GK. Moreover, GK remarkably suppressed the postapoptotic transcription protein cleaved caspase-3 expression. The present study reveals that GK possesses hepatoprotective activity which is probably involved in the modulation of the MAPK/caspase-3 pathway.

Geraniin ameliorate experimental acute reflux esophagitis via NF-κB regulated anti-inflammatory activities in rats

“…All these results, demonstrate a non-cytotoxic and antiinflammatory effects on LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cells. The toxic effects of gastric acid and stomach contents lead to epithelial injury and cell death in esophageal mucosa [1,23]. To evaluated protective effects of geraniin on reflux esophagitis rats, experimental rats were orally administrated with geraniin (15 and 30 mg/ kg body weight) and H2 inhibitor ranitidine 30 mg/kg body weight as positive control.…”

Oxymatrine and its metabolite matrine contribute to the hepatotoxicity induced by radix Sophorae�tonkinensis in mice

“…2E ), which suggested that the 90-day oral administration of OMT, MT and OMT + MT had no obvious effect on the normal growth of mice. Serum biochemistry serves as an important indicator of physiological abnormalities in liver intoxication ( 22 ). The values of biochemical indicators following 90 days of exposure to OMT, MT and OMT + MT are presented in Table I .…”

“…The increased release of liver enzymes, including ALT, AST and LDH, as well as TBiL, is recognized as an initial indicator of physiological dysfunction and liver toxicity ( 22 , 28 ). However, hepatic histopathological evaluation is currently the standard method for determining the degree of liver injury during exposure to xenobiotics ( 29 ).…”