Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Akebia quinata Extracts in an In Vitro Model of Acute Alcohol-Induced Hepatotoxicity

This study investigated the effects of Akebia quinata (AQ) leaf and fruit extract on acute alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity in AML12 cells. Different concentrations of AQ extracts (250 and 2500 μg/mL) were used to treat the AML12 cells with or without ethanol for 24 h for inducing acute alcohol cytotoxicity. AQ extract-treated AML12 cells showed enhanced expression of GSH-synthesizing enzymes and suppressed expression of oxidative stress makers such as NOX4, and decreased expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, inflammatory marker, in acute alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, it was observed that 100 mM ethanol treatment of AML12 cells resulted in global change of mRNA expression in microarray, but AQ leaf extract treatment reversed the global change of mRNA expression pattern into normal condition. In conclusion, AQ extract or functional component from AQ can be useful therapeutic agent in acute alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation responses.