Metformin protects against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity in mice.
In the present study, the hepatoprotective effect of metformin (Met), a dimethylbiguanide anti-hyperglycemic, was examined in a mouse model of liver damage induced by chronic repeated administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) (5 microl/kg, twice a week for 12 weeks). Met, when given orally in drinking water at an estimated daily dose of 25 or 50 mg/kg for 10 weeks starting 2 weeks after CCl(4) challenge, protected against CCl(4) hepatotoxicity. The results indicate that the hepatoprotection afforded by Met treatment at a dose of 25 mg/kg against CCl(4) toxicity may at least in part be mediated by the enhancement of mitochondrial glutathione redox status.
Poon
Michel K T
MK
Department of Biochemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, China.
Chiu
Po-Yee
PY
Mak
Duncan H F
DH
Ko
Kam-Ming
KM
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D002252:Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control*; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005980:Glutathione Reductase / Q000097:blood; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008687:Metformin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D020011:Protective Agents; D008687:Metformin; D005980:Glutathione Reductase; D000410:Alanine Transaminase