Lophirones B and C Attenuate Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Damage in Mice: Studies on Hepatic, Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers

Abstract

Lophirones B and C are chalcone dimers with proven chemopreventive activity. This study evaluates the hepatoprotective effect lophirones B and C in acetaminophen-induced hepatic damage in mice using biomarkers of hepatocellular indices, oxidative stress, proinflammatory factors and lipid peroxidation. Oral administrations of lophirones B and C significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated acetaminophen-mediated alterations in serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin and total bilirubin. Similarly, acetaminophen-mediated decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glucose 6- phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly attenuated in the liver of mice. Increased levels of conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and fragmented DNA were significantly lowered by lophirones B and C. Levels of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and 8 were significantly lowered in serum of acetaminophen treated mice by the chalcone dimers. Overall, results of this study show that lophirones B and C halted acetaminophen-mediated hepatotoxicity.

Keywords: Acetaminophen; Antioxidant Enzymes; Chalcone Dimers; Cytokines; Inflammation.