Protective Effects of Lemon Juice on Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Biomed Res Int. 2017:2017:7463571. doi: 10.1155/2017/7463571. Epub 2017 Apr 16.

Abstract

Chronic excessive alcohol consumption (more than 40-80 g/day for males and more than 20-40 g/day for females) could induce serious liver injury. In this study, effects of lemon juice on chronic alcohol-induced liver injury in mice were evaluated. The serum biochemical profiles and hepatic lipid peroxidation levels, triacylglycerol (TG) contents, antioxidant enzyme activities, and histopathological changes were examined for evaluating the hepatoprotective effects of lemon juice in mice. In addition, the in vitro antioxidant capacities of lemon juice were determined. The results showed that lemon juice significantly inhibited alcohol-induced increase of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), hepatic TG, and lipid peroxidation levels in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological changes induced by alcohol were also remarkably improved by lemon juice treatment. These findings suggest that lemon juice has protective effects on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice. The protective effects might be related to the antioxidant capacity of lemon juice because lemon juice showed in vitro antioxidant capacity.

MeSH terms

  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Animals
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
  • Citrus*
  • Fruit and Vegetable Juices*
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Liver / injuries
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / blood
  • Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / diet therapy*
  • Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Triglycerides / metabolism

Substances

  • Triglycerides
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase