Expression of VDAC Regulated by Extracts of Limonium sinense Ktze root Against CCl₄-induced Liver Damage

Abstract: The expression of mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channels (VDAC) mayunderlie the protective effects of Limonium sinense (Girard) Ktze root extracts (LSE) againstcarbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage. Pretreatment of mice with 100 mg/kg, 200mg/kg or 400 mg/kg LSE significantly blocked the carbon tetrachloride-induced increase inboth serum aspartate aminotransferase (sAST) and serum alanine aminotransferase (sALT)levels. Ultrastructural observations by electron microscope confirmed hepatoprotection,showing decreased nuclear condensation, ameliorated mitochondrial fragmentation of thecristae and less lipid deposition. Pretreatment with LSE prevented the decrease of thedisruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (15.3%) observed in the liver of the carbontetrachloride-insulted mice, further demonstrating the mitochondrial protection. In addition,LSE treatment (100-400 mg/kg) significantly increased both transcription and translation ofVDAC. The above data suggests that LSE mitigates the damage to liver mitochondriainduced by carbon tetrachloride, possibly through regulation of mitochondrial VDAC, one ofthe most important proteins in the mitochondrial outer membrane.