The Protective Effects of Levo-Tetrahydropalmatine on ConA-Induced Liver Injury Are via TRAF6JNK Signaling

Abstract EN

Aims.

Levo-tetrahydropalmatine (L-THP) is an active ingredient of Corydalis yanhusuo W.

T.

Wang, which has many bioactive properties.

Herein, we investigated the protective effects of L-THP on concanavalin A- (ConA-) induced hepatitis in mice and explored its possible mechanisms of these effects.

Main Methods.

Balb/c mice were intravenously injected with 25 mg/kg ConA to generate a model of acute autoimmune hepatitis, and L-THP (20 or 40 mg/kg) was administered orally once daily for 5 d before the ConA injection.

The liver enzyme levels, proinflammatory cytokine levels, and other marker protein levels were determined 2, 8, and 24 h after ConA injection.

Results.

L-THP could decrease serum liver enzymes and pathological damage by reducing the release of inflammatory factors like IL-6 and TNF-α.

The results of Western Blot and PCR indicated that L-THP could ameliorate liver cell apoptosis and autophagy.

L-THP could suppress T lymphocyte proliferation and the production of TNF-α and IL-6 induced by ConA in a dose-dependent manner in vitro.

Additionally, the protective functions of L-THP depended on downregulating TRAF6/JNK signaling.

Conclusion.

The present study indicated that L-THP attenuated acute liver injury in ConA-induced autoimmune hepatitis by inhibiting apoptosis and autophagy via the TRAF6/JNK pathway.