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Published on: November 27, 2019
Hepatoprotective Activity of Red Ginger Extract on Acetaminophen-induced Liver Injury Models in HepG2 Cells
Wahyu Widowati1, Hanna Sari Widya Kusuma2, Didik Priyandoko3
1Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, Indonesia.
Introduction:
The liver is a major organ that plays a crucial role in detoxifying drugs; however, exposure to hepatotoxic drugs can lead to liver damage. Some research indicates that Zingiber officinale , commonly known as red ginger, possesses various biological properties. The objective of this study was to examine the hepatoprotective effect of red ginger extract (RGE) against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced HepG2 cells.
Materials And Methods:
HepG2 cells were induced with APAP to simulate liver injury and subsequently treated with RGE. Levels of nitric oxide (NO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured using a colorimetric assay, while the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gene expression of caspase-3 (Casp-3), Casp-9, and c-Jun kinase (JNK) was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Results:
APAP-induced HepG2 cells exhibited a noticeable increase in pro-inflammatory markers. Cells treated with RGE showed lower levels of IL-1β and IL-6, and higher levels of IL-10 compared to the positive control. RGE treatment also reduced NO and LDH levels and downregulated the expression of Casp-3, Casp-9, and JNK genes.
Conclusions:
These results indicate that RGE exerts hepatoprotective effects through increased IL-10 production, alongside the suppression of NO, IL-1β, IL-6, as well as Casp-3, Casp-9, and JNK gene expression.
