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Herb‐induced autoimmune‐like hepatitis in C57 BL /6J mice
Author(s) -
Wang JirYou,
Lee ChangYin,
Pan PoJung,
Chang WenChi,
Chiu JenHwey,
Chen WeiShone,
Shyr YiMing
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/liv.12266
Subject(s) - autoimmune hepatitis , scutellaria baicalensis , immune system , herb , medicine , intraperitoneal injection , immunology , peripheral blood mononuclear cell , hepatitis , pharmacology , biology , traditional medicine , traditional chinese medicine , pathology , medicinal herbs , in vitro , biochemistry , alternative medicine
Background & Aims Animal model suitable for studying herb‐induced experimental autoimmune hepatitis ( AIH ) remains a challenging problem. A medicinal herb containing Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Sb) and Bupleurum chinense DC (Bc) has been sporadically reported to be related to liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Sb and Bc on experimental AIH in mice. Methods C57 BL /6J mice received intraperitoneal injection of Sb and/or Bc herbal extracts (1 mg/kg) for 4 or 8 weeks. Serum samples were collected to analyse serum transferase ( AST , ALT ), creatinine, markers for AIH and hepatic cytokine levels such as IFN ‐γ, IL 10 and TGF ‐β1. Peripheral mononuclear cell ( PBMC ) gene expression profiles were analysed to show their effects on immune system. Results Our results showed that Sb or Bc treatment increased serum AST , ALT , IgG and ANA levels. Prominent necroinflammatory changes were demonstrated in the livers of Sb‐ or Bc‐treated mice while the decrease in IFN ‐γ and elevation of IL 10 and TGF ‐β1 levels in liver tissues. Furthermore, the PMBC gene expression profile suggested that Sb or Bc treatment could modulate immune responses. Conclusion We conclude that the presence of AIH in Sb‐ or Bc‐treated mice and C57 BL /6J strain mice is a reliable animal model for studying herb‐induced AIH ‐like hepatitis.