Salvianolic acid B exerts a protective effect in acute liver injury by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

ABSTRACT

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) exerts strong antioxidant activity and eliminates the free radical effect. However, how it affects the antioxidant pathway is not very clear. The objective of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of Sal B in CCl4-induced acute liver injury, especially its effect on the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. For the in vivo experiment, an acute liver injury model was induced using CCl4 and treated with Sal B. For the in vitro experiment, an oxidative damage model was established followed by Sal B treatment. Serum biochemical indicators and reactive oxygen species activity were detected using corresponding kits. Oxidant/antioxidant status was determined based on the levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase. Nrf2 and HO-1 levels were analyzed by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Sal B treatment improved liver histology, decreased the aminotransferase levels, and attenuated oxidative stress in the acute liver injury model. Nrf2 and HO-1 levels were increased both in vivo and in vitro. Sal B suppresses acute liver injury and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling plays a key role in this process.