Potential association between the protective effects of metformin and catalase in mice with endotoxic liver injury / 中国药学杂志

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We previously found the hepatoprotective effects of metformin (Met) in mice with lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine (LPS/D-Gal)-induced endotoxic liver injury, the present studies were designed to further explore the potential association between the hepatoprotective effects of Met and catalse (CAT). METHODS: Acute liver injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS/D-Gal. The activity of hepatic CAT was determined and whether the CAT inhibitor aminotriazole (ATZ) could abolish the protective effects of Met was tested. RESULTS: Met enhanced the activity of CAT in the liver of LPS/D-Gal-exposed mice, suppressed the elevation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The CAT inhibitor ATZ obviously suppressed the stimulatory effects of Met on CAT activity, but ATZ partially reversed the suppressive effects of Met on H2O2 content. ATZ did not reverse the inhibitory effects of Met on MDA production or ALT and AST elevation, it has no effects on morphological abnormalites. CONCLUSION: These data suggest although Met can improve the activity of CAT in LPS/D-Gal challenged mice, these effects seem not important for the protective benefits of Met.