Protection of centrilobular necrosis by Curcuma comosa Roxb. in carbon tetrachloride-induced mice liver injury.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the protective effect and possible mechanism of Curcuma comosa hexane extract on CCl(4)-induced liver injury in adult male mice.


METHODS
Hepatotoxicity was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of CCl(4) and was evaluated after 24 h from the elevations of plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities, and histological analysis of liver injuries. Hexane extract of Curcuma comosa was given at different time points from 1 to 72 h, prior to CCl(4) administration and the protection from liver injury was assessed.


RESULTS
CCl(4)-induced damage to liver cells was resulted in elevations of plasma ALT and AST activities. Pretreatment with Curcuma comosa hexane extract 24 h at a dose of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg BW resulted in a dose-dependent prevention of the increases in plasma ALT and AST activities as well as time dependent. The protective effect of the extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW was seen at 12-24 h. Pretreatment of the extract completely prevented elevation of plasma ALT and AST activities, and centrilobular necrosis. The protective effect of Curcuma comosa was associated with restoration of hepatic glutathione content, and CYP2E1 catalytic activity, and its mRNA and protein levels as well as increase in activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST).


CONCLUSIONS
Curcuma comosa has a potent protective property against CCl(4)-induced hepatic injuries via the activation of detoxifying mechanisms (GST) as well as reduction of the bioactive toxic metabolites. Therefore, Curcuma comosa may be beneficial for prevention of hepatotoxicity.
Weerachayaphorn
Jittima
J
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rachatewee, Bangkok, Thailand.
Chuncharunee
Aporn
A
Jariyawat
Surawat
S
Lewchalermwong
Buarong
B
Amonpatumrat
Sirirat
S
Suksamrarn
Apichart
A
Piyachaturawat
Pawinee
P
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000378:metabolism; D002252:Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D030024:Curcuma; D019392:Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1 / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009336:Necrosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D027343:Rhizome
D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D019392:Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1; D005982:Glutathione Transferase; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D005978:Glutathione