Inhibition of Fas/FasL mRNA expression and TNF-α release in concanavalin A-induced liver injury in mice by bicyclol

Abstract

Aim: Bicyclol, 4,4′-dimethoxy-5,6,5′,6′ -dimethylene-dioxy-2-hydroxymethyl-2′-carbonyl biphenyl, is a new anti-hepatitis drug. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of bicyclol on concanavalin A (Con A)-induced immunological liver injury in mice and its mechanism. Methods: Liver injury was induced by injection of Con A via tail vein of mice and assessed biochemically and histologically. Serum transaminase and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were determined. Liver lesions were observed by light microscope. Expressions of TNF-α, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) mRNA in the livers were measured by RT-PCR. Results: Serum transaminase level and liver lesions in Con A-induced mice were markedly reduced by oral administration of 100, 200 mg/kg of bicyclol. TNF-α level in serum was also reduced by bicyclol. Con A injection induced up-regulation of TNF-α, IFN-γ, Fas and FasL mRNA expression in liver tissues. Bicyclol significantly down-regulated the expression of IFN-γ, Fas and FasL mRNA, but only slightly affected TNF-α mRNA expression in liver tissues. Conclusion: Bicyclol protects against Con A-induced liver injury mainly through inhibition of Fas/FasL mRNA expression in liver tissues and TNF-α release in mice. Copyright © 2004 by The WJG Press.