• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.539-547
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• 2015

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Semisulcospira libertina extract on liver injury induced by D-galactosamine in rats. After the administration of S. libertina extract, the local fat degeneration and infiltration of inflammatory cells in liver tissues were significantly decreased and peripheral hemorrhages around portal triads and central necrosis around central veins were found to be protective. The elevated levels of plasma ALT, AST, and LDH, the ALP activation lipid peroxidation, and the lipid contents of a damaged liver were recovered in experimental rats administrated with S. libertina extract, suggesting its role in blood enzyme activation and lipid content restoration within damaged rat liver tissues. Moreover, the expression rate of TNF-α, which accelerates inflammation and induces tissue damage and necrosis, was significantly decreased. In addition, the activities of antioxidant enzymes were more effectively upregulated compared to those of the control group induced hepatotoxicity. All data showed that S. libertina extract has a preventive role against liver damages, such as inflammation and tissue necrosis, as instigated with D-galactosamine by improving the activities of blood enzymes and antioxidant enzymes and modulating the expression of inflammation factor, suggest S. libertina extract is an effective medicinal resource for the restoration of hepatotoxicity.