Conclusions
Isopsoralen (80 mg/kg) caused hepatotoxicity after short-term exposure by inhibiting the expression of efflux transporters, amino acid binding enzymes, and disrupting BAs spectrum.
Methods
Forty-two C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control, three- and seven-day groups (n = 14 per group, half female and half male). Isopsoralen suspension was administrated intragastrically at 80 mg/kg once a day. Blood and liver samples were collected to measure biochemical indices and transport of BAs. The histopathology of the liver was also observed. HPLC-MS/MS was also used to measure the BAs profiles and transport activity.
Objective
This study investigates the effect of three- or seven-day exposure of low dose isopsoralen (80 mg/kg) on bile acid homeostasis in C57BL/6J mice. Materials and
Results
In the study, isopsoralen increased the levels of serum AST, ALT in three- and seven-day groups, and caused vacuolar degeneration and swelling in the liver. Canalicular efflux transporters BSEP, OSTα, MRP2, MRP3, and basolateral uptake transporters NTCP, OATP4 were inhibited after seven-day-administration. Moreover, amino acid binding enzymes (BAAT and BACS) were also inhibited after seven-day-administration. The composition of BAs changed greatly and the concentration of some unconjugated-BAs which have stronger hydrophobicity, such as CA, CDCA, was significantly increased. Conclusions: Isopsoralen (80 mg/kg) caused hepatotoxicity after short-term exposure by inhibiting the expression of efflux transporters, amino acid binding enzymes, and disrupting BAs spectrum.