Baicalein protects against polymicrobial sepsis-induced liver injury via inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis in mice

Liver dysfunction has been known to occur frequently in cases of sepsis. Baicalein, the main active ingredient of the Scutellaria root, exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties in endotoxic shock. However, the role of baicalein in polymicrobial sepsis-induced liver injury and its regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of baicalein on polymicrobial sepsis-induced liver injury and to explore the possible mechanisms. Polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were treated with baicalein (100mg/kg, i.p) at 1h, 6h and 12h following CLP. Baicalein significantly improved the survival of septic mice. Treatment with baicalein ameliorated the CLP-induced liver injury, as indicated by the lower serum aminotransferase levels and the fewer histopathologic abnormalities. Baicalein reduced the neutrophil infiltration and the hepatic inflammatory cytokine expression and release. It also decreased the hepatic and the serum high-mobility group box 1 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels in septic mice. Moreover, baicalein significantly inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation and suppressed the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). In conclusion, these results suggest that baicalein treatment could protect against the sepsis-induced liver injury, and improve the survival of mice with polymicrobial sepsis. The mechanism of the protective action of baicalein seems to involve its ability to reduce inflammatory response, to inhibit hepatic apoptosis, and to suppress MAPKs and NF-κB activation.