Hepatoprotective effect of the combination treatment with CMP and 5-FU. (A) Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of livers. Mice were treated with saline, 5-FU (25 mg/kg), 5-FU (25 mg/kg) + CMP (50 mg/kg, CMPL), and 5-FU (25 mg/kg) + CMP (100 mg/kg, CMPH), for 14 days, mice were then sacrificed and livers were excised and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (magnification 400 ×). Groups represent, a: normal mice + saline; b: model mice + saline; c: model mice + 5-FU 25 mg/kg; d: model mice + 5-FU 25 mg/kg + CMP 50 mg/kg; e: model mice + 5-FU 25 mg/kg + CMP 100 mg/kg. (B) LDI score to evaluate histological damage of liver tissues: 0, absent (no demolishment); 0.5, few (0%–20% demolishment); 1, mild (20%–50% demolishment); 2, moderate (50%–80% demolishment); 3, severe (80%–100% demolishment). Data are presented as mean ± SD. *** p < 0.001 vs. Normal group; $$$
p < 0.001 vs. 5-FU group. (C) Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. ALT and AST levels in serum were assayed using a commercially available test kits according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Data are presented as mean ± SD. ** p < 0.01 vs. Normal group; $$
p < 0.01 vs. 5-FU group.