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Red Mold Rice against Hepatic Inflammatory Damage in Zn-deficient Rats
Bao-Hong Lee1, Wei-Hsuan Hsu1, Tzu-Ming Pan1
1Department of Biochemical Science & Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.
Abstract:
The protective effect of red mold rice (RMR) against liver injury in rats fed with a Zn-deficient diet for 12 weeks was investigated in this study. Rats were orally administered RMR (151 mg/kg body weight or 755 mg/kg body weight; 1 × dose or 5 × dose, respectively) with or without Zn once a day for 4 consecutive weeks. The severity of liver damage was evaluated by measuring the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in Zn-deficient rats. RMR significantly inhibited the elevation of serum ALT levels by Zn-deficient induction. Hepatic antioxidase activity was also significantly increased in the RMR + Zn group (RZ), thereby suppressing the productions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proinflammatory cytokines in the liver of Zn-deficient rats. These findings suggested that RMR exerted hepatoprotective effects against Zn deficiency-induced liver inflammation.
Insights
Red mold rice (RMR) protects against liver injury caused by zinc deficiency. RMR supplementation reduced liver damage markers and inflammation in rats, indicating significant hepatoprotective effects.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional biochemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Zinc deficiency can induce liver injury and inflammation.
- Red mold rice (RMR) is a traditional fermented food with potential health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of red mold rice (RMR) in rats with zinc deficiency.
Main Methods:
- Rats were fed a zinc-deficient diet for 12 weeks.
- Oral administration of RMR (151 mg/kg or 755 mg/kg) with or without zinc for 4 weeks.
- Liver damage assessed by serum ALT and AST levels, and hepatic antioxidase activity.
Main Results:
- RMR significantly inhibited the elevation of serum ALT levels induced by zinc deficiency.
- Hepatic antioxidase activity was increased in rats supplemented with RMR and zinc.
- RMR suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proinflammatory cytokine production in the liver.
Conclusions:
- Red mold rice demonstrates significant hepatoprotective effects against zinc deficiency-induced liver inflammation.
- RMR may mitigate liver damage by enhancing antioxidant activity and reducing oxidative stress.
