OBJECTIVETo study the mechanism of the reducing mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by ethyl acetate fractions of Kansui Radix stir-baked with vinegar in mice.

METHODMice with normal ICR were orally administered with ethyl acetate fractions of Kansui Radix and Kansui Radix stir-baked with vinegar. Their blood and liver homogenate were collected to detect the level of AST, ALT, LDH, SOD, activities of Na(+) -K(+) -ATPase and Ca(2+) -Mg(2+) -ATPase, GSH and MDA. Liver tissues were collected for HE staining and morphological observation under light microscope.

RESULTAccording to the results of pathological sections, compared with the control group, all of Kansui groups showed a significant increase in the hepatic tissues injury (P < 0.01). Compared with Kansui groups, all of vinegar-baked groups showed a significant decrease in the hepatic tissues injury (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, all of Kansui groups showed a significant increase in ALT, AST and LDH (P < 0.05, P < 0.001) in serum and hepatic tissues, and significantly decrease in the activity of SOD (P < 0.001) and the content of GSH. They also showed a significant increase in MDA (P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in the level of Na(+) -K(+) -ATPase and Ca(2+) -Mg(2+) -ATPase (P < 0.01) in hepatic tissues, with a certain dose-effect relationship. Compared with all of Kansui groups, all of vinegar-baked groups showed a significant decrease in ALT, AST and LDH (P < 0.05, P < 0.001), and a notable increase in SOD (P < 0.001) and GSH in serum and hepatic tissues. They also showed a remarkable decrease in MDA (P < 0.001), and a significant increase in the level of Na(+) -K(+) -ATPase and Ca(2+) - Mg(2+) -ATPase (P < 0.01) in hepatic tissues, with a certain dose-effect relationship.

CONCLUSIONBeing stir-baked with vinegar can significantly reduce the hepatotoxicity of Kansui Radix. Its mechanism may be related to the reduction of the effect of Kansui Radix on the permeability of hepatic tissues cell membranes and the oxidative injury.