title: Therapeutic Effects of Blue Honeysuckle on Lesions of Hyperthyroidism in Rats.
abstract: Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic syndrome characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which enhances the hormone-induced oxidative stress responsible for some complications in the liver, heart and muscle. Blue honeysuckle (BH) is an edible berry, rich in polyphenols, especially flavonoids or anthocyanins, known as strong antioxidants. The chemo-protective activities of the berry have been connected to the improvement of symptoms in cancer, diabetes mellitus, tumor or cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the therapeutic effects of BH were examined in hyperthyroidism rat model. The hyperthyroidism was induced by injection with levothyroxine (LT4), and the model was treated with distilled water (LT4 control), propylthiouracil (PTU) or BH at 3 dosages of 500, 250 and 125[Formula: see text]mg/kg. The treatment was performed once a day for 15 days. Compared to LT4 control, the oral administration of BH dose-dependently ameliorated the hyperthyroidism, reducing thyroid hormones and increasing thyroid stimulating hormones. These effects were accompanied by improvement of body weight loss and atrophy in the thyroid gland, liver and epididymal fat pads. BH treatments also reduced the levels of hepatic enzymes (AST and ALT), which suggests BH exerts protective effects on hepatocytes. BH might also be involved in the augmentation of the anti-oxidant activities, supported by increased endogenous antioxidant (glutathione). In addition, the histopathological analyses revealed the beneficial effects of BH on the atrophic changes and cellular injuries in the thyroid gland, liver and epididymal fat pads. The therapeutic potentials of BH were either similar or more effective than PTU. These results provide valuable information that will guide more detailed studies to use the BH as a complementary and alternative medicine.
authors: * Department of Histology and Anatomy, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 1 Haanydaero, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-Do 38610, Republic of Korea.
authors: Sang-In
authors: SI
authors: Park
authors: † Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 1 Haanydaero, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-Do 38610, Republic of Korea.
authors: Young Joon
authors: YJ
authors: Lee
authors: * Department of Histology and Anatomy, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 1 Haanydaero, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-Do 38610, Republic of Korea.
authors: Seong Hun
authors: SH
authors: Choi
authors: * Department of Histology and Anatomy, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 1 Haanydaero, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-Do 38610, Republic of Korea.
authors: Soo Jin
authors: SJ
authors: Park
authors: * Department of Histology and Anatomy, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 1 Haanydaero, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-Do 38610, Republic of Korea.
authors: Chang-Hyun
authors: CH
authors: Song
authors: * Department of Histology and Anatomy, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 1 Haanydaero, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-Do 38610, Republic of Korea.
authors: Sae-Kwang
authors: SK
authors: Ku
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants; D001284:Atrophy; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D031239:Lonicera / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013047:Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000473:pathology; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts
keywords: Anti-oxidant Defense System; Blue Honeysuckle; Hyperthyroidism; Liver Damages