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Inhibition of fulminant hepatitis by liquiritigenin, a licorice flavonoid, as a consequence of the induction of hepatic transporters and phase II enzymes
Author(s) -
Kim Young Woo,
Kim Sang Chan,
Kim Sang Geon
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.747.6
Subject(s) - choleretic , liquiritigenin , chemistry , pharmacology , fulminant hepatitis , enzyme , medicine , hepatitis , biochemistry , alternative medicine , pathology
Liquiritigenin (LQ), an active component in licorice, has an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced iNOS expression. This study investigated the effects of LQ on the expression of hepatic transporters and phase II enzymes, and on galactosamine/LPS‐induced fulminant hepatitis. Immunoblot and RT‐PCR analyses showed that the protein and mRNA levels of MRP2 and BSEP were increased in the liver of rats treated with LQ. Induction of hepatic transporters was verified by their increased localizations in canalicular membrane. In addition, LQ treatment enhanced the expression levels of major hepatic phase II enzymes. LQ treatments attenuated galactosamine/LPS‐induced hepatitis in rats, as supported by decreases in the plasma ALT, liver necrosis and plasma TNF‐alpha. Consistent with these, intravenous administration of LQ elevated bile flow rate and biliary excretion of bile acid, GSH and bilirubin. These results demonstrate that LQ has the ability to induce transporters and phase II enzymes in the liver, which may be associated with a hepatoprotective and choleretic effect. Our findings may provide insight into understanding the action of LQ and the therapeutic use of licorice for liver disease.