Rhoifolin Alleviate Alcoholic Liver Disease by Inhibiting the TLR4 / NF-kB Signaling Pathway and Attenuating Oxidative Stress

Abstract Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is caused by long-term excessive consumption of alcohol, which is affected by TLR4 / NF-kB mediated inflammatory response and CYP2E1-mediated oxidative stress effects. Rhoifolin (ROF) is a flavonoid compound in Citrus grandis ‘Tomentosa’, with antioxidant and anti-inflammation effect. However, the action of its effect on ALD has been elucidated yet. In the present study, we investigated ROF’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic action in the treatment of ALD. In established ALD mice, ROF promoted hepatic function through downgrading the amount of aminotransferase, attenuating oxidative stress, and restoring antioxidant balance in hepatic tissue. Additionally, ROF significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as NF-kB, TNF-a, IL-6, and IL-1b in the mice. In vitro experiments indicated that ROF increased the LO2 cells viability and inhibited cells apoptosis. ROF reversed the expression of CYP2E1, NLRP3, p-p65, p-IkB and TLR4, which were consistent with animal experiment. Overall, ROF can alleviate ethanol-induced liver injury through inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation, and is a promising compound for ALD treatment.