Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic acute liver injury (AALI). Arctiin, a natural compound isolated from burdock, possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of arctiin against AALI induced by T. gondii HSP70 and explore its underlying mechanisms.
Methods
BALB/c mice were sensitized with T. gondii HSP70 and then challenged with the same antigen to induce AALI. Arctiin was administered intraperitoneally before the antigen challenge. Liver injury was assessed by serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and histopathological examination. Inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine production were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively.
Results
Arctiin pretreatment significantly reduced serum ALT and AST levels and ameliorated liver histopathological changes in mice with AALI induced by T. gondii HSP70. Arctiin also inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages, in the liver. Furthermore, arctiin suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and increased the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the liver. Mechanistically, arctiin inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in the liver.
Conclusions
Arctiin ameliorates AALI induced by T. gondii HSP70 by inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and modulating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. These findings suggest that arctiin may be a potential therapeutic agent for AALI.
Keywords:
- Arctiin
- Allergic acute liver injury
- Toxoplasma gondii HSP70
- Inflammation
- NF-κB
- MAPK
Kind regards
Dr. R. Naples.
