Baicalin attenuates aflatoxin B1-induced hepatotoxicity via suppressing c-Jun-N-terminal kinase-mediated cell apoptosis.

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is classified as a Class I carcinogen and common pollutant in human and animal food products. Prolonged exposure to AFB₁ can induce hepatocyte apoptosis and lead to hepatotoxicity. Therefore, preventing AFB₁-induced hepatotoxicity remains a critical issue and is of great significance. Baicalin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has a variety of pharmacodynamic activities, such as antiapoptotic and anticancer activities. This study systematically investigated the alleviating effect of baicalin on AFB₁-induced hepatotoxicity from the perspective of apoptosis and explored the possible molecular mechanism. In the normal human liver cell line L02, baicalin treatment significantly inhibited AFB₁-induced c-Jun-N-terminal Kinase (JNK) activation and cell apoptosis. In addition, the in vitro mechanism study demonstrated that baicalin alleviates AFB₁-induced hepatocyte apoptosis through suppressing the translocation of phosphorylated JNK to the nucleus and decreasing the phosphorylated c-Jun/c-Jun ratio and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Molecular docking and drug affinity responsive target stability assays demonstrated that baicalin has the potential to target JNK. This study provides a basis for the therapeutic effect of baicalin on hepatocyte apoptosis caused by AFB₁, indicating that the development of baicalin and JNK pathway inhibitors has broad application prospects in the prevention of hepatotoxicity, especially hepatocyte apoptosis.