Osthole Alleviates D-Galactose-Induced Liver Injury In Vivo via the TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB Pathways

Osthole, a coumarin derivative, is found in several medicinal herbs. However, the protective effects of osthole against D-galactose (D-Gal)-induced liver injury still remain unclear. In this study, osthole treatment effectively reversed D-Gal-induced liver injury, according to the results of liver HE staining, and improved ALT and AST activities. Feeding with D-Gal significantly increased MDA content, and reduced the level or activity of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px, which were all alleviated by osthole intervention. Meanwhile, osthole treatment significantly inhibited the D-Gal-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6, in both serum and liver tissue. Investigations revealed that osthole ameliorated the D-Gal-induced activation of TLR4, MYD88 and its downstream signaling pathways of MAPK (p38 and JNK) and NF-kappa B (nucleus p65). Therefore, osthole mediates a protective effect against D-Gal-induced liver injury via the TLR4/MAPK/NF-kappa B pathways, and this coumarin derivative could be developed as a candidate bioactive component for functional food.

Automated summary

In this study, it was found that osthole has a protective effect against D-galactose-induced liver injury through the TLR4/MAPK/NF-kappa B pathway. These findings suggest that osthole could be developed as a candidate bioactive component for functional food.