Hepatoprotective Activity of Red Ginger Extract on Acetaminophen-induced Liver Injury Models in HepG2 Cells.

Introduction: The liver is a major organ that plays a crucial role in detoxifying drugs; however, exposure to hepatotoxic drugs can lead to liver damage. Some research indicates that Zingiber officinale, commonly known as red ginger, possesses various biological properties. The objective of this study was to examine the hepatoprotective effect of red ginger extract (RGE) against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced HepG2 cells.

Materials and methods: HepG2 cells were induced with APAP to simulate liver injury and subsequently treated with RGE. Levels of nitric oxide (NO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured using a colorimetric assay, while the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gene expression of caspase-3 (Casp-3), Casp-9, and c-Jun kinase (JNK) was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: APAP-induced HepG2 cells exhibited a noticeable increase in pro-inflammatory markers. Cells treated with RGE showed lower levels of IL-1β and IL-6, and higher levels of IL-10 compared to the positive control. RGE treatment also reduced NO and LDH levels and downregulated the expression of Casp-3, Casp-9, and JNK genes.

Conclusions: These results indicate that RGE exerts hepatoprotective effects through increased IL-10 production, alongside the suppression of NO, IL-1β, IL-6, as well as Casp-3, Casp-9, and JNK gene expression.