Hepatoprotective effects of Rubus coreanus miquel concentrates on liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

Abstract

As well-being foods pursuing healthy life are becoming popular, interest in Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCM) fruit, a type of Korean blackberry, is increasing due to its medicinal actions including protecting the liver, brightening the eyes, and alleviating diabetes. This study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of RCM concentrates on liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in rats. RCM, produced in June ~ July 2008 at Chunbook, Gochang (South Korea), was finely mashed. The seeds were removed and the juices were condensed. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups according to treatment: normal (eight rats), CCl₄, 1% RCM, and 2% RCM. Experimental diets were provided to the experimental animals for 4 weeks. We measure total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. Part of the livers was isolated for histopathological evaluation, and analyzed for lipid peroxide (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and liver proteins. The activities of serum AST, ALT, and ALP were elevated following CCl₄ administration. Levels of hepatic TBARS were also significantly increased in the CCl₄ groups. However, hepatic TBARS levels and the activities of serum enzymes were markedly reduced by supplementation with the RCM concentrates (P < 0.05). Hepatic SOD activity increased in the RCM concentrates group versus CCl₄ groups. Histopathological examination revealed massive necrosis in the centrilobular area and degenerative changes caused by CCl₄ were ameliorated by dietary supplementation with RCM concentrates. These results suggest that RCM concentrates have hepatoprotective effects and may improve the symptoms of liver injuries.

Introduction

The liver is seriously threatened by many factors such as irregular diet, stress, drug overdose, viruses, toxic reagents, and alcohol. In particular, the consumption of alcohol is increasing excessively as social relationships become complicated and diversified. Alcohol linked to various forms of liver disease such as fatty liver, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Impaired liver functions and liver diseases can be fatal and represent an important threat since these conditions are difficult to treat [1].

With increased awareness of liver health, development and studies of related drugs are ongoing, and interest in identifying foods that improve liver function is also increasing. Silymarin, an agent that improves the liver and bowels, was developed from the fruit of Silybum rarianum, a member of the chrysanthemum family [2]. A more recently developed drug, dimethyl-4,4'-bimethyloxy-5,6,5',6'-dimethylene-dioxydiphenyl-2,2'-bicarbox ylate (DDB), is known to combat hepatotoxicity [3]. The synthesis of these compounds is similar to that of Schisandrin B, a derivative of Schisandra chinensis.

As the popularity of foods believed to have positive pharmacological effects on human health increases, more attention has been given to traditional Korean foods [4]. Recently, interest in Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCM), a type of Korean blackberry, is growing as this fruit is known to have beneficial medical actions [5-7]. RCM is also expected to help treat chronic disease due to its anti-cancer and antioxidant functions, and improve liver function given its polyphenol, organic acid, and vitamin C content [5-7].

RCM grows wild in sunny locations in valleys, at the foot of mountains, and arid lands at altitudes 50~1,000 m in South Korea [8]. RCM has been used to help protect the liver, brighten the eyes, and alleviate diabetes [9]. RCM supplementation enhanced antioxidant capacity in healthy Korean men [10].

In a study of bioactive components of RCM, four kinds of hydrolysable tannins and four kinds of flavonoids have been isolated and identified [11]. Sanguiin H-4 and H-6, hydrolyzed tannins have also been identified in a study of the tannin compounds in this fruit [12], and other studies on raspberry terpenoids have been conducted [13,14]. Raspberries contain components such as nigaichigoside F1, F2, suavis simoside, and new glycosides of coreanoside F1. Since coreanoside F1 exists only in raspberries, this compound can be used for identification purposes [15]. Coreanoside F1 is a dimeric triterpene glycosyl ester believed to be one of the major components of herbal medicines that quench thirst and protect the liver [9]. In a study of RCM bioactivity, the density of polyphenols was high in both the fruit and leaf [16]. In another report of RCM antioxidant activity, levels of electron donation by α,α'-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were described as high [10]. DPPH was also was found to have high nitrite clearance and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Due to these bioactive components, RCM has been reported to affect immune function, possess antioxidant activity, suppress type B hepatitis viral infection, and control weight [17]. However, research on the ability of RCM to help protect the liver and improve liver function is insufficient.

In this study, we investigated the ability of RCM to protect against liver injury and enhance hepatic function against CCl₄-induced hepatic damage in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The activity of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol), hepatic lipid peroxide, and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver tissue were measured in order to analyze the hepatoprotective effects of RCM. The extent of liver damage was also examined through histopathological observation.

Materials and Methods

Plant materials and preparation of RCM

RCM produced at Gochang, Chunbook-do, South Korea was purchased from Osung Food Co. The fruit was finely mashed and the seeds were removed with a juicer (Hanil juice extractor, HEX-9100B, Seoul). The juice was condensed and stored in a freezer until use. The yield of RCM concentrate from fresh RCM fruit was 26%. The water contents of RCM concentrate was 60.79%.

Experimental animals

Seven-week-old male SD rats (Hyundai Bio, South Korea) were used for the animal experiment. The animals were randomly divided into four groups (eight rats per group) according to treatment: normal, CCl₄, 1% RCM, and 2% RCM. The rats were individually housed in wire-mesh cages in a room maintained at 20 ± 2℃ and 50 ± 5% relative humidity (Auto Control System, SS-2000). To induce liver toxicity, carbon tetrachloride (1 mL/kg, CCl₄:olive oil = 1:1, v/v) was injected into the abdominal cavity on the first day of the experiment, and every 3 days twice a week from that day. An identical volume of olive oil was injected into normal group rats. Experimental diets were provided to the animals for 4 weeks. Each group of rats was then sacrificed, and blood and livers were collected for analysis. The study protocol for all animal experiments was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Changwon National University (2013-2).

Experimental diet

The control diet composition was based on purified AIN-76 (American Institute of Nutrition, 1977), and the experimental diets were supplemented with 1% or 2% condensed RCM juice (Table 1). A gel-type agar diet, consisting of a diet : agar : water ratio of 490 g : 10 g : 1000 g, was produced. New experimental diets were fed every day in the form of gel by 50~55 g (20 g in the form of powder), and ion-free water was freely provided [18].

Table 1.

Composition (g/100 g diet) of the experimental diets

¹⁾ Composition of the vitamin mixture (1.0% in diet provided the following vitamins): 6 mg thiamin HCl, 6 mg iboflavin, 30 mg nicotinic acid, 16 mg calcium pantothenate, 2 mg folic acid, 10 µg cyanocobalamine, 0.2 mg biotin, 4000 IU vitamin A, 1000 IU vitamin D, 50 IU vitamin E, 50 µg vitamin K, and 7 mg pyridoxine HCl.

²⁾ Composition of the mineral mixture [3.5% in diet provided the following minerals (mg/kg diet)] : 5200 calcium (calcium phosphate, dibasic), 4000 phosphorus (calcium phosphate, dibasic), 1020 sodium (sodium chloride), 3600 potassium (potassium citrate, H₂O), 500 magnesium (magnesium oxide), 54 manganese (manganese carbonate), 35 iron (ferric chloride), 6 copper (cupric carbonate), 30 zinc (zinc carbonate), 0.2 iodine (potassium iodine), 0.1 selenium (sodium selenite, 5 H₂O), 2.0 chrome (chrome potassium sulfate, 12 H₂O), 1560 chloride (sodium chloride), and 1000 sulfate (potassium sulfate).

CON: Normal diet, CCl₄: CCl₄ + Normal diet, 1% RCM: CCl₄ + 1% RCM diet, 2% RCM: CCl₄ + 2% RCM diet

Measurement of blood lipids

Experimental animals were starved for 12 hours before sacrifice. The rats were anesthetized with ethyl ether, the abdomen was opened, and blood was collected from the hearts. Serum was stored frozen at -70℃ before the analysis. Serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high density lipoproteincholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured with an enzymatic assay kit (Asan Pharmaceutical Co., Seoul). Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated using Friedewald equation [LDL-C = TC - HDL-C - (TG/5)].

Blood enzyme assays

Serum AST and ALT were measured with a kit (Asan Phamaceutical Co., Seoul) using the Reitman-Frankel [19] method. Serum ALP was measured with a kit (Asan Phamaceutical Co., Seoul) using the Kind-King method and measuring absorbance with a UV-visible spectrophotometer.

Preparation of liver tissues and liver index values

Livers were extracted immediately after collecting blood and washed with cold saline. Excess moisture was removed with filter paper, and the liver weight was determined. Part of the liver was isolated for histopathologic examination. The remaining portion of the liver was quickly frozen at -70℃ with liquid nitrogen, and used for lipid peroxide and liver protein analyses. Liver index values were calculated with the formula liver weight / 100 g body weight.

Evaluation of lipid peroxides and liver proteins

Lipid peroxides in liver homogenates were measured with a thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method [20] using a standard 1,1,3,3,-tetra ethoxypropane solution. Liver homogenates were diluted to 10% with cold KCl buffer, and 3 mL of 1% phosphoric acid was added to 0.5 mL of the diluted solution. Next, 1 mL of the TBA solution was added. The tubes containing the solution were covered with caps, stirred in a boiling water bath for 45 minutes, and cooled by immersion in ice water. N-butanol (4 mL) was then added and the solution was centrifuged. The uppermost layer of n-butanol was collected and the absorbance was measured at 535 nm with a UV-visible spectrophotometer. The results are presented as nM of TBARS per 1 mg of protein. To measure total hepatic protein levels, the method described by Lowry et al. [21] was used with bovine serum albumin standard protein solutions.

Determination of Superoxide dismutase (SOD)

The liver was homogenized in buffer containing 0.25M sucrose, 10mM Tris-HCL, and 1mM EDTA (pH7.4). The crude homogenate was centrifuged at 10,000 × g for 60 minutes at 4℃ and the supernatant was used for SOD activity which was determined by using the SOD assay kit (Dojindo Laboratories, Kumamoto, Japan), according to the manufacturer's protocol.

Live histopathology evaluation

Paraformaldehyde-fixed liver specimens were dehydrated in a graded alcohol series. Following treatment with xylene, the specimens were embedded in paraffin blocks and cut into 4-µm thick slices with a microtome. The sections were placed on glass slides, stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), and examined with a light microscope.

Statistical Analysis

The mean and standard deviations for each group were calculated using the SAS version 9.1. Differences in body weight, liver weight, liver index, blood lipid levels, enzyme activity, and liver lipid peroxide levels were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA and then Duncan's multiple range test with a confidence level of P < 0.05.

Results

Weight gain, liver weight, and liver index

Weight gain in the CCl₄, 1% RCM, and 2% RCM groups decreased compared to the normal group (Table 2). Liver weight increased 10% in the CCl₄ group compared to the normal group (P < 0.05). In contrast, liver weight decreased in the 1% RCM and 2% RCM groups relative to the CCl₄ group. Liver index (LI) values decreased in the both of RCM group compared to the CCl₄ group.

Table 2.

Average weight gain, liver weight, and liver index (LI) of the experimental rats

CON: Normal diet, CCl₄: CCl₄ + Normal diet, 1% RCM: CCl₄ + 1% RCM diet, 2% RCM: CCl₄ + 2% RCM diet

LI (Liver index values); liver weight / 100 g body weight.

¹⁾Values represent the mean ± SD

²⁾Mean values with different superscripts within a given column are significantly different (P < 0.05) according to Duncan's multiple range test.

Blood lipid levels

Blood lipid levels are shown in Table 3. The levels of triglycerides tended to decrease with RCM dietary supplementation, but this difference was not significant. Total blood cholesterol levels decreased in the 1% and 2% RCM groups compared to the CCl₄ group (P < 0.05). The levels of HDL-C significantly increased in the 2% RCM group compared to the CCl₄ group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in LDL-C levels between the groups.

Table 3.

Serum lipid levels in the experimental rats

CON: Normal diet, CCl₄: CCl₄ + Normal diet, 1% RCM: CCl₄ + 1% RCM diet, 2% RCM: CCl₄ + 2% RCM diet

ns: not significant

¹⁾Values represent the mean ± SD

²⁾Mean values with different superscripts within a given column are significantly different (P < 0.05) according to Duncan's multiple range test.

Effect of RCM on AST, ALT, and ALP

As shown in Table 4, treatment with CCl₄ significantly increased the levels of AST (185.97 IU/L), ALT (55.28 IU/L), and ALP (28.45 IU/L) in serum compared to the control group (149.69 IU/L, 16.49 IU/L, and 22.98 IU/L, respectively). Dietary supplementation with RCM significantly decreased the activities of AST, ALT, and ALP compared to CCl₄-treated rats (P < 0.05).

Table 4.

Serum biochemical indices of liver function for the experimental rats

CON: Normal diet, CCl₄: CCl₄ + Normal diet, 1% RCM: CCl₄ + 1% RCM diet, 2% RCM: CCl₄ + 2% RCM diet, AST: aspartate amino transferase, ALT: alanine amino transferase, ALP: alkaline phosphatase

1) Values represent the mean ± SD

2) Mean values with different superscripts within a given column are significantly different (P < 0.05) according to Duncan's multiple range test.

Hepatic lipid peroxides

The concentrations of liver lipid peroxides are shown in Table 5. Intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ increased lipid peroxide levels from 1.25 nM to 1.73 nM of TBARS/g. However, liver lipid peroxide concentrations decreased in the RCM-supplementation groups compared to the CCl₄ group (P < 0.05). The levels of hepatic lipid peroxides observed in rats given the RCM extract were similar to those of the normal group.

Table 5.

Hepatic TBARS levels in the experimental rats

CON: Normal diet, CCl₄: CCl₄ + Normal diet, 1% RCM: CCl₄ + 1% RCM diet, 2% RCM: CCl₄ + 2% RCM diet

¹⁾Values represent the mean ± SD

²⁾Mean values with different superscripts within a given column are significantly different (P < 0.05) according to Duncan's multiple range test.

Hepatic SOD activities

The activities of liver SOD are shown in Table 6. Treatment of CCl₄ decreased SOD activity from 19.65 U/mg protein to 12.87 U/mg protein. In 2% RCM supplementation groups, activity of SOD was increased compared to the CCl₄ group (P < 0.05).

Table 6.

Hepatic SOD levels in the experimental rats

CON: Normal diet, CCl₄: CCl₄ + Normal diet, 1% RCM: CCl₄ + 1% RCM diet, 2% RCM: CCl₄ + 2% RCM diet

¹⁾Values represent the mean ± SD

²⁾Mean values with different superscripts within a given column are significantly different (P < 0.05) according to Duncan's multiple range test.

Evaluation of liver histology

As shown in Fig. 1, massive necrosis in the centrilobular area and degenerative changes were observed in livers from the CCl₄ group. These hepatic changes decreased with administration of RCM, and damages to the liver lobules around the portal vein were reduced.

Fig. 1.

Histopathological examination of liver tissues from the experimental rats. (A) Control group, (B) CCl₄ group, (C) CCl₄ + 1% RCM group, (D) CCl₄ + 2% RCM group, CV: central vein, Hematoxylin-eosin staining, 100× magnification

Discussion

Phytochemicals, such as polyphenols and terpenes are believed to play a role as chemopreventive agents. The bioactive components of RCM have been identified various kinds of tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. RCM has been used to help protect the liver, brighten the eyes, and alleviate diabetes' symptoms [9]. Furthermore, RCM has been reported to affect immune function and control weight [17]. However, research on the ability of RCM to help protect the liver and improve liver function is insufficient.

In the present study, we evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of RCM concentrates against liver injuries induced by CCl₄ in rats. Administration of CCl₄ induced liver necrosis, steatosis, and fibrosis caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation [22]. Administration of CCl₄ also led to decreased body weight and increased liver weight in the rats. Increased liver weight caused by CCl₄ might be attributed to augmented permeability of the liver cell membrane, cell edema, and lipid oxidation [23]. Lipid contents of normal liver cells are determined by a balance between lipid synthesis and utilization, and are increased in the liver damaged by CCl₄ [24,25]. The levels of total serum cholesterol in the CCl₄ group in this study increased compared to the normal group. Additionally, administration of CCl₄ not only elevated the activities of serum AST, ALT, and ALP but also the levels of hepatic TBARS which are products of lipid peroxide reactions, and increased by oxidative stress and free radical in cell [24,25]. Production of these lipid peroxides following CCl₄ treatment might be induced by trichloromethyl free radicals and change the structure of liver cell membranes [26].

Damages to the liver by CCl₄ were improved by dietary supplementation with RCM in this study. The hepatoprotective activity of RCM can be due to its anti-inflammatory effect demonstrated by increased hepatic SOD activity. The liver weight and LI returned to normal levels with RCM treatment. The blood levels of HDL-C increased while total serum cholesterol levels decreased following RCM dietary supplementation. Polyphenols in RCM exert beneficial effects on blood lipid levels, and have been reported to protect against cardiovascular disease [27,28].

In the presence of liver necrosis and the destruction of liver tissues by toxic agents, liver transaminases (AST and ALT) are released into blood and have been found to have high levels of activity [29]. ALP is also associated with conditions linked to the hepatic biliary tract. In our study, activities of AST, ALT, and ALP elevated by CCl₄ exposure were decreased by the RCM concentrates. These results suggest that RCM might play an important role in the protective effects against CCl₄ -induced injury. RCM might be ameliorated in wrecked integrity of hepatic cell and infiltration of liver. RCM could be considered to be hepatoprotective by possibly improving liver function and restoring the activities of AST, ALT, and ALP in this study. Hepatic TBARS levels were markedly reduced and SOD levels were significantly increased by supplementation of the RCM concentrates in the present study. RCM contains phenols and cyannidin 3-glucoside. The effects of RCM on lipid peroxides and SOD observed in the present study may have been attributed to the antioxidant properties.

The histopathological examination performed in our study identified massive necrosis in hepatic centrilobular area and degenerative changes following CCl₄ exposure that was improved by dietary supplementation with RCM concentrates. Indeed, the antioxidative potency of RCM can actually affect the recovery of liver structure in CCl₄-induced liver Injuries. Histological examination demonstrated that RCM concentrates presented light hepatotoxicity effects on CCl₄-induced Sprague-Dawley rats.

In conclusion, active compounds of RCM decreased the level of total cholesterol and hepatic damage in CCl₄-treated Sprague-Dawley rats. Although further examination on the active compounds of RCM is needed, RCM concentrates have potent antioxidant activities that might protect the liver and improve the symptoms of liver injuries caused by CCl₄ in rats.