Ellagic acid protects Lipbpolysaccharide/D-galactosamine-induced acute hepatic injury in mice

Ellagic acid, a natural polyphenol found in certain fruits, nuts and vegetables, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant activities. However, the effects of ellagic add on acute hepatic injury have not been reported. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ellagic acid on Lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine-induced acute hepatic injury in mice. The results showed that LPS/GaIN increased hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content, TNF-alpha level, serum ALT and AST levels and TNF-alpha level. However, these changes were attenuated by ellagic acid. Western blot analysis showed that ellagic acid inhibited LPS/GaIN-induced NF-kappa B activation. Furthermore, ellagic acid induced the expression of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1. In conclusion, our results showed that ellagic acid protected against LPS/GaIN-induced liver injury by enhancing the antioxidative defense system and reducing inflammatory response. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.