In this study, Xylose-Taurine reduced (X-T-R) was synthesized to enhance biological activities. Hence, we investigated the hepatoprotective effects of X-T-R against H2O2-induced hepatocyte damage and apoptosis. The results showed that X-T-R led to the cytoprotective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in cultured hepatocytes such as the improvement of cell viability and the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Additionally, pre-treatment with X-T-R increased the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase:quinone 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in cultured hepatocytes. Furthermore, X-T-R protected the cells against apoptosis via regulating the expression level of Bcl-2/Bax as well as the activation of caspase-3. According to the results obtained, X-T-R may be a bio-material for the therapy of hepatic diseases.
Keywords: Hepatocytes; Hepatoprotective effects; Oxidative stress; Xylose-Taurine reduced.