Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on uncoupling protein 2 regulation in an acute liver injury-animal model.
Methods: Twenty seven male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group (n = 9), TAA group (n = 9): acute liver injury was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (200 mg/kg) and EGCG/TAA (n = 9 rats): Epigallocatechin gallate was given two weeks prior to the induction of acute liver injury by thioacetamide. The levels of uncoupling protein 2, CRP, TNF-α and interleukins (IL) 6 and 18 were analyzed in the liver using PCR analysis.
Results: Q-PCR analysis showed that the genetic expression of UCP2, TNF-α and CRP in the EGCG/TAA group was the least in comparison to other groups (P ≤ 0.005). The IL-6 and IL-18 were upregulated after induction of acute liver injury, but this upregulation was significantly less in the group that received epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG/TAA) compared to the TAA group. In addition, histological examination showed a reduction in hepatocyte injury in EGCG/TAA compared to the TAA group.
Conclusion: Epigallocatechin gallate administration prior to induction of acute liver injury down-regulates uncoupling protein 2 expression and reduces IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α and CRP.
Keywords: Green tea; epigallocatechin gallate; hepatitis; uncoupling protein 2.