ROS-Mediated Unfolded Protein Response Activation Drives Hepatocyte Apoptosis in Mesaconitine-Induced Liver Injury

Mesaconitine (MA), a predominant diterpenoid alkaloid isolated from Aconitum species, exhibits notable pharmacological properties but is simultaneously associated with significant toxicological concerns, with its hepatotoxic mechanisms remaining largely unelucidated. In this study, zebrafish embryos were systematically exposed to MA to investigate its effects on hepatic development and function. Comprehensive analyses of liver morphology, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptotic pathways were conducted. MA induced dose-dependent hepatotoxicity, manifesting in a significant reduction in liver size and a marked downregulation of liver-specific genes, including tfa, cp, hhex, and fabp10a. The presence of oxidative stress was substantiated by elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, while hepatic inflammation was characterized by enhanced neutrophil infiltration and the upregulation of proinflammatory mediators, particularly il1b and tnfa. A global transcriptome analysis revealed the substantial upregulation of unfolded protein response (UPR)-associated genes, notably hsp90b1, hspa5, and hspb9, indicating that MA-induced oxidative stress triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent UPR activation. Prolonged ER stress ultimately resulted in hepatocyte apoptosis, as demonstrated by the increased expression of the pro-apoptotic genes casp3a, casp3b, and baxa. These findings elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying MA-induced hepatotoxicity and identify potential therapeutic targets for preventing and treating liver injury associated with Aconitum alkaloid exposure.