Protective effect of apigenin magnesium complex on H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in rat hepatic stellate cells

CONTEXT: Apigenin displays antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, effects of apigenin magnesium (AM) complex on these aspects remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of AM complex on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-induced rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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 H(2)O(2) 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. RESULTS: AM complex significantly inhibited oxidative stress and inflammatory response at concentrations of 0.625, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/mL (IC(50) = 1.679 mg/mL). AM complex elevated the survival rate of H(2)O(2)-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. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Data indicated that AM complex mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses on H(2)O(2)-treated HSCs, suggesting that AM complex is a possible candidate for anti-hepatic diseases. Additional efforts, both in vivo and in humans, are required to assess of AM complex as a potential therapeutic drug in liver diseases.