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World J Gastroenterol. Jul 7, 2006; 12(25): 4052-4055
Published online Jul 7, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i25.4052
Mistletoe alkali inhibits peroxidation in rat liver and kidney
Zheng-Ming Shi, Ping Feng, Dong-Qiao Jiang, Xue-Jiang Wang
Zheng-Ming Shi, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing 100035, China
Ping Feng, Dong-Qiao Jiang, Xue-Jiang Wang, Pathophysiological Department, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Supported by Chinese Medicine Technology Item of Beijing City, China, No.JJ 2004-12 and Beijing Municipal Commission of Education, No. M200610025003
Correspondence to: Xue-Jiang Wang, Pathophysiological Department, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China. xj-w@163.com
Telephone: +86-10-83911434 Fax: +86-10-83911484-88
Received: February 10, 2006
Revised: February 15, 2006
Accepted: February 28, 2006
Published online: July 7, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To explore the antioxidant and free radical scavenger properties of mistletoe alkali (MA).

METHODS: The antioxidant effect of mistletoe alkali on the oxidative stress induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats was investigated. The rats were divided into four groups (n = 8): CCl4-treated group (1 mL/kg body weight), MA -treated group (90 mg/kg), CCl4+MA-treated group and normal control group. After 4 wk of treatment, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product (LPO) was measured in serum and homogenates of liver and kidney. Also, the level of glutathione (GSH), and activities of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GSPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in liver and kidney were determined. Scavenging effects on hydroxyl free radicals produced in vitro by Fenton reaction were studied by ESR methods using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) as a spin trap reagent and H2O2/UV as the OH· source. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was determined by competitive ELISA.

RESULTS: In CCl4-treated group, the level of LPO in serum of liver and kidney was significantly increased compared to controls. The levels of GSH and enzyme activities of SOD, GSPx and GR in liver and kidney were significantly decreased in comparison with controls. In CCl4+MA-treated group, the changes in the levels of LPO in serum of liver and kidney were not statistically significant compared to controls. The levels of SOD, GSPx and GR in liver and kidney were significantly increased in comparison with controls. There was a significant difference in urinary excretion of 8-OHdG between the CCl4-treated and MA-treated groups.

CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress may be a major mechanism for the toxicity of CCl4. MA has a protective effect against CCl4 toxicity by inhibiting the oxidative damage and stimulating GST activities. Thus, clinical application of MA should be considered in cases with carbon tetrachloride-induced injury.

Keywords: Mistletoe alkali; Inhibition of peroxidation; Free radical; Liver and kidney