BackgroundTo investigate the effects of the Alisma and Rhizoma decoction on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and to further shed light on the underlying mechanisms of the actions of the Alisma and Rhizoma decoction.MethodsPlasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) content was determined and liver inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated. Intrahepatocellular malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase contents were determined using commercially available kits Furthermore, -SMA expression in liver tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry and LC3-II was detected by immunoblotting assays.ResultsMice receiving the Alisma and Rhizoma decoction by gastric lavage had significantly lower plasma ALT content and markedly higher hepatic superoxide dismutase activity than mice receiving the methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet. Furthermore, the decoction aborted MCD-induced increase in liver malondialdehyde content. Immunohistochemistry showed that the decoction suppressed hepatic -SMA expression. Our transmission electronic microscopy revealed that the decoction markedly reduced the number of autophagosomes and immunoblotting assays showed that the decoction caused a dose-dependent decrease in LC3-II in hepatic tissues.ConclusionThe Alisma and Rhizoma decoction lessens NASH-associated liver injuries by modulating oxidative stress and autophagy in hepatocytes of mice fed with MCD.
[1]Shanghai Univ Tradit Chinese Med, Putuo Hosp, Dept Gastroenterol, Shanghai 200062, Peoples R China.
[2]Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ, Peoples Hosp 1, Shanghai Gen Hosp, Dept Gastroenterol,Sch Med, Shanghai 201620, Peoples R China.
[3]Shaoxing Hosp Tradit Chinese Med, Dept Gastroenterol, Shaoxing 312000, Peoples R China.
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