Protective effect of apigenin magnesium complex on H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in rat hepatic stellate cells

Abstract

<b>Context:</b> Apigenin displays antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, effects of apigenin magnesium (AM) complex on these aspects remain unknown.<b>Objective:</b> This study investigated the effects of AM complex on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).<b>Materials and methods:</b> The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of AM complex at concentrations of 0.625, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/mL were evaluated, comparing to HSCs treated by H₂O₂ alone. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) levels were measured. Moreover, cell apoptosis, mRNA expression levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), NF-κB, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were assessed.<b>Results:</b> AM complex significantly inhibited oxidative stress and inflammatory response at concentrations of 0.625, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/mL (IC₅₀ = 1.679 mg/mL). AM complex elevated the survival rate of H₂O₂-treated HSCs and had no toxic effects on HSCs. AM complex also promoted SOD activity and GSH levels but suppressed ROS, MDA, and NO levels. Additionally, AM complex decreased IL-6 and NF-κB levels, gene expression of TGF-β, NF-κB, and iNOS, as well as induced apoptosis of HSCs.<b>Discussion and conclusions:</b> Data indicated that AM complex mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses on H₂O₂-treated HSCs, suggesting that AM complex is a possible candidate for anti-hepatic diseases. Additional efforts, both <i>in vivo</i> and in humans, are required to assess of AM complex as a potential therapeutic drug in liver diseases.