Abstract:

Objective To investigate the protective effects of luteolin on immune-mediated liver injury in mice. Methods The mouse model of immune-mediated liver injury was established by ConA injection to C57BL/6 mouse. Serum ALT and AST levels in mice were determined by an automatic biochemistry analyzer. HE stain and TUNEL stain were used to determine the extent of liver injury. Serum TNF-α and IFN-γ concentrations were measured by ELISA. Results Luteolin treatment significantly decreased the ALT and AST levels in ConA-induced hepatitis (CIH) mice (P<0.001). Luteolin treated mice also displayed less inflammatory infiltration in the liver and hepatocyte apoptosis. Meanwhile, luteolin significantly inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IFN-γ in ConA injected mice (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion Luteolin can protect mice from immune-mediated liver injury by inhibiting the release of ConA-induced inflammation mediator.

Key words: luteolin, ConA, immune-mediated liver injury, inflammation mediator