Objective: To investigate the effects of Potenlini on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) binding activity in the livers of animals models with liver cirrhosis, and to delineate the molecular mechanism of the bioactivities of Potenlini.
Methods: Male SD rats were randomly allocated into a normal control group, a model control group, and a Potenlini group. Rats in the latter two groups were treated with CCl4 and Ethanol solution in order to induce chronic liver injury. Rats in Potenlini group were given Potenlini treatment at the same time. All rats were killed at the 9th week after CCl4 administration. Serum and liver specimens were collected, serum ALT activities and histological findings were assessed. Nuclear extracts from liver tissues were prepared and gel retardation assays were performed for the evaluation of NF-kappa B activity.
Results: (1) Serum ALT levels were significantly reduced in rats treated with Potenlini compared with those in rats of the model control group, which had dramatically increased ALT levels. (2) Histologically, liver steatosis and fibrosis were severe in the rats of the model group, but were significantly improved in rats of the Potenlini group. (3) NF-kappa B binding activity was markedly increased in the liver specimens taken from the rats of the model control group in comparison with the binding of normal livers, but the binding levels were nearly normal in the livers of the Potenlini group.
Conclusion: Potenlini can inhibit the NF-kappa B binding activity in CCl4 and ethanol induced chronic liver injury, and that may partially be the mechanism by which Potenlini protects liver from hepatotoxin-induced liver injury and cirrhosis.