Supplement of food functional factor ergothioneine can effectively prevent liver injury in mice

Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural histidine-derived compound with strong antioxidant activity. This research evaluated the potential of EGT to protect against liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) both in vivo and in vitro for the first time. Animal results showed that daily supplement of EGT (continuous gavage for 21 days) significantly reduced the levels of elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), regulated inflammatory factor levels, and improved antioxidant enzyme activity in mice after CCl4 treatment. In addition, cell results showed that exposure to CCl4 causes significant oxidative stress in LO2 cells, which was mitigated after EGT pretreatment. Furthermore, EGT treatment reduced reactive oxygen species production and improved mitochondrial function compared with the model group, which was potentially mediated by the activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway. These findings provided a scientific theoretical basis for the application of EGT in prevention of liver injury.